Sheikh Russell reach semis

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Sheikh Russell KC stormed into the semifinal of the Independence Cup Football Tournament eliminating Feni Soccer Club SC by 3-1 goals in the 3rd quarterfinal match at the Bir Shreshtha Sepoy Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in the city's Kamalapur Tuesday, reports UNB. Sheikh Russell KC will play the 2nd semifinal Friday at 4:45 pm against the winners of the 4th quarterfinal match between Mohammedan SC and Muktijoddha Sangsad KC. Private satellite channel ATN Bangla will telecast the match live from the Bangabandhu National Stadium. In the day's match, Russian striker Eduard Sakhnevich, substitute Mohammad Yousuf and Nigerian striker Effiong Duke scored one goal each for Sheikh Russell KC which led the first half 1-0. Ugandan recruit Dominic Kabuye netted the lone goal for Feni Soccer Club. Feni Soccer Club came close to scoring in the 15th minute, but Masudul Alam Bulbul's placing shot from inside the D-box off Touhidul Alam cross was brilliantly saved by Skeikh Russell custodian Mamun Khan. Sheikh Russell KC took the lead in the 21st minute, as Russian striker Eduard Sakhnevich raced with the ball from midfield and placed it in the net giving no scope to Feni Soccer Club custodian cum skipper Piaruzzaman (1-0). After the lemon break, Ugandan recruit Dominic Kabuye restored the parity for Feni Soccer Club in the 48th minute with a placing shot from inside the D-box off Touhidul close pass after dodging past the opponent defenders (1-1). But the scenario of the match changed promptly when Sheikh Russell KC scored two goals in the span of two minutes. Substitute Mohammad Yousuf again put Sheikh Russell ahead in the 59th minute with a header from inside the danger zone taking a minus from Eduard Sakhnevich (2-1). Nigerian striker Effiong Duke widened the margin for Sheikh Russell in the 61st minute from a penalty. Referee Jasim Uddin awarded the spot kick when Farashganj defender Rajib fouled Yousuf in the danger zone (3-1). Both the teams were engaged in attack and counter attack in the first half, but Sheikh Russell KC completely took command of the match in the second half and left the field with the deserving victory. In the 1st semifinal Thursday, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club will take on Farashganj SC at Bangabandhu National Stadium at 4:45 pm. ATN Bangla will telecast the match live.