Coming from behind, Arambagh KS smartly reached the final of the Walton Federation Cup Football Tournament after 15 years with unbeaten record eliminating Team BJMC by 3-1 goals in the first semifinal at Bangabandhu National Stadium in the city on Thursday, reports UNB.
They will play the final on Monday (June 23) at 3:30 pm against the winners of Abahani Limited and Sheikh Russel KC, who will meet each other in the 2nd semifinal today (Friday) at the same venue.
Nigerian forward Kester Ekon struck twice and Jafar Iqbal netted one for Arambagh KS, all in the 2nd half while Zakir Hossain Ziku netted the lone goal for Team BJMC in the first half.
Jakir Hossain Ziku drew the first blood for Team BJMC in the 38th by a left footer placing shot from difficult angel, utilizing a free kick off Eleta Kingsley (1-0).Kester Ekon leveled the margin for Arambagh KS in the 64th minute from a penalty.
Arambagh KS awarded spot kick when BJMC midfielder Sankar Das brought down onrushing Arambagh medio Aung Thowai Chin Marma in the danger zone and Kester Ekon did no mistake to convert a penalty (1-1).
Nigerian forward Kester Akon again put Arambagh KS ahead in the 69th minute by his lone afford.
Taking a ball from 25 yards, Kaster dribbled past two opponent defenders and sent the ball into the net over the on rushing opponent goalie Arifuzzaman Himel from the top of the box (2-1)
Arambagh Forward Jafar Iqbal sealed the fate of the scoring the 3rd goal for Arambagh KS by his solo effort in the stoppage time of the match (3-1).
In the very 2nd minute of the match Arambagh midfielder Mohammad Abdullah curved a free kick and their Nigerian forward Kester Ekon made a good attempt but BJMC goalie Arifuzzaman Himel brilliantly save his castle.
In the 19th minute, BJMC forward Eleta Kingsley came close to score but his header off a Saikat Mahmuf cross, narrowly missed the target.
Team BJMC were most unfortunate in the 75th minute as their Nigerian defender Samuel Adams failed to score from a penalty. Team BJMC got the spot kick as Arambagh defender Abdul Hamid Bashani fouled Eleta Kingsley in the danger zone.
In the way to the final, Arambagh KS advanced to the quarterfinal as Group A champions beating Dhaka Abahani Ltd 1-0 and playing 1-1 draw with Soccer Club Feniin group affairs and eliminated holders Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the quarterfinal by 5-4 goals in tie-breaker after playing 2-2 draw in the stipulated 90-minute time.
On the other hand, Team BJMC made the quarterfinal berth as Group D champions, also with unbeaten run beating Dhaka Mohammedan SC 2-1 and playing 1-1 draw with Rahmatganj MFS and eliminated Muktijoddha SKC by 1-0 goal in the quarterfinal.