League leaders Usha KC faced a jolt in their title chase in the Green Delta Insurance Premier Division Hockey League with their first defeat, by 2-3 goals to Mohammedan SC, at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium in the city Sunday, reports UNB.
Mohammedan SC dominated the first half of the super league match 1-0.
Despite the day's loss, Usha KC still dominate the league table with 33 points from 12 matches. Abahani Limited is in the 2nd slot with 28 points from 11 matches, while Mohammedan SC improved their tally to 26, also from 11 matches.
Usha KC could still smell the crown as they need just a draw in their last match against 2nd placed Abahani Limited. On the other hand, the traditional 'Dhanmondi' outfit will have to win their last two matches against old foes Mohammedan SC and Usha KC.
In the day's match, Syed Al Masum scored all the three goals for the popular 'black and white' Motijheel outfit, while forward Rafiqul Islam Kamal and Maksud Alam Habul netted one goal apiece for Usha KC.
Masum made the early breakthrough for Mohammedan SC in the 16th minute with a powerful hit after he was fed by Pakistani recruit Mohammad Sabbir (1-0).
After the breather, renowned forward Kamal levelled the margin for Usha KC in the 57th minute when Zahidul Islam Rajon's scoop found the net deflecting Kamal's stick (1-1).
After just a minute, Mohammedan SC increased the margin when Masum made a diving attempt to make the score line 2-1 after getting a pass from Mohammad Abdus Sajjad John.
Masum again came in the scene in the 68th minute scoring the 3rd and last goal for the winners utilizing a pass from another Pakistani recruit Mohammad Asim (3-1).
With one minute left before the final whistle, Habul reduced the margin for Usha KC as his scoop went to the net following a Kamal pass.
Mohammedan SC, already out of the title race, enjoyed most of the ball possessions and their defense led by Isa Miah did their best to foil the opponent attacks.
Earlier, in the first half, Mohammedan SC defender Isa Miah saved his side clearing a hit from Tarique Aziz from around the goal line. Then in the 34th minute Rajon from a vantage position sent a Habul pass wide of the post.
Mohammedan's Mohammad Sabbir, who played superbly throughout the match, could have further increased the winner's tally in the 30th minute, but his hit from the left side of the box was brilliantly saved by opponent custodian Mahbub Ullah Chowdhury.
Today's (Monday's) match: Sonali Bank vs Ajax SC (4:00 pm)
