Sheikh Jamal reach semis
Thursday, 18 October 2012
Holders Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club (DC) won the battle of the titans as they move into the semis of Grameenphone Federation Cup beating premier league champions Abahani Limited by 2-1 goals in the 3rd quarterfinal at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the city Wednesday, reports UNB.
Sheikh Jamal DC thoroughly dominated the match with better coordination, speed and tactics to keep the sky-blue outfit at bay until the 80th minute of play as they were ahead 2-0.
After the first 25 minutes of untidy play by both teams, Shiekh Jamal DC midfielder Anamul Haque Sharif hit a cracker from almost 25 yards but the ball missed the target.
Three minutes later, Sk Jamal DC's Nigerian forward Mike Otojareri put his team ahead. Nigerian Sunday Chizoba's through ball was tapped into the far post net by Otojareri who beat defender Sujon by speed (1-0).
Abahani's Ghanaian Nitim Twum Frank made a good angular run in the 37th minute, but his shot from the left flank was nicely saved by Sk Jamal DC goalie Maksudur Rahman.
In the 39th minute, Sk Jamal DC could have doubled its lead through Sunday Chiboza in the small box had not Abahani goalie Shahidul Alam Sohel made a diving save.
The second half saw some close goal-scoring chances get spoiled. Eight minutes into the second half Sunday Chizoba's tricky chip hit the crosspiece.
But six minutes later, Mike Otajareri again came to the party (2-0) with a nice placing into the far post net after a goal-bound shot of Ikechukwu Okemmiri deflected Abahani defender Mohammad Sujon on to Otajareri's feet.
Abahani gave a comeback hint as they pulled one back (2-1) in the 81st minute, but it was too late. Abahani forward Ghanaian Awudu Ibrahim's set-piece shot was not cleanly collected by Sk Jamal DC goalie and Towhidul Alam utilized the chance to reduce the margin.
After the match, a delighted Sheikh Jamal DC coach Afusi Joseph said: "It's a big win in a champions' clash. I want to give all the 11 players credit for this win… I'm happy that my boys played to the instruction; they played basic football to keep the ball in control."
An ecstatic Mike Otojareri said: "I'm happy and feeling like it's the best team in the world now… I want to be goal getter."
A deflated Abahani coach Amalesh Sen blamed the fitness of their players and lack of practice for the narrow defeat.
Sheikh Jamal DC thoroughly dominated the match with better coordination, speed and tactics to keep the sky-blue outfit at bay until the 80th minute of play as they were ahead 2-0.
After the first 25 minutes of untidy play by both teams, Shiekh Jamal DC midfielder Anamul Haque Sharif hit a cracker from almost 25 yards but the ball missed the target.
Three minutes later, Sk Jamal DC's Nigerian forward Mike Otojareri put his team ahead. Nigerian Sunday Chizoba's through ball was tapped into the far post net by Otojareri who beat defender Sujon by speed (1-0).
Abahani's Ghanaian Nitim Twum Frank made a good angular run in the 37th minute, but his shot from the left flank was nicely saved by Sk Jamal DC goalie Maksudur Rahman.
In the 39th minute, Sk Jamal DC could have doubled its lead through Sunday Chiboza in the small box had not Abahani goalie Shahidul Alam Sohel made a diving save.
The second half saw some close goal-scoring chances get spoiled. Eight minutes into the second half Sunday Chizoba's tricky chip hit the crosspiece.
But six minutes later, Mike Otajareri again came to the party (2-0) with a nice placing into the far post net after a goal-bound shot of Ikechukwu Okemmiri deflected Abahani defender Mohammad Sujon on to Otajareri's feet.
Abahani gave a comeback hint as they pulled one back (2-1) in the 81st minute, but it was too late. Abahani forward Ghanaian Awudu Ibrahim's set-piece shot was not cleanly collected by Sk Jamal DC goalie and Towhidul Alam utilized the chance to reduce the margin.
After the match, a delighted Sheikh Jamal DC coach Afusi Joseph said: "It's a big win in a champions' clash. I want to give all the 11 players credit for this win… I'm happy that my boys played to the instruction; they played basic football to keep the ball in control."
An ecstatic Mike Otojareri said: "I'm happy and feeling like it's the best team in the world now… I want to be goal getter."
A deflated Abahani coach Amalesh Sen blamed the fitness of their players and lack of practice for the narrow defeat.