Dhaka, Feb 3: Muktijoddha Sangsad remained on top of the Grameenphone Bangladesh League table after a goalless draw with title contenders Abahani Limited at the BSSM Kamlapur Stadium today.
Defending champions Abahani needed a draw to topple the Reds but remained second with 14 points, two behind Muktijoddha after seven rounds.
Abahani, though, enjoyed superior possession in the first half despite missing playmaker Awudu Ibrahim, the injured Ghanaian whose late appearance hardly changed the complexion of an otherwise dull 90 minutes.
Maruf Ahmed’s men rushed the first blood but Sudanese striker James headed a cross by stand-in captain Bukola over the Abahani bar after 17 minutes.
Bukola also had a chance but his header kissed the bar after Abahani keeper Sohel had spilled Munna's cross.
Abahani’s effort to break the rival defence with the long-ball strategy failed but even coach Ali Akbar’s instruction to play down was not followed properly.
Bukola again shot wide from a one-on-one after being played by Mithun before Biplab pulled off a brilliant save at the Reds goal, tipping over a curling free-kick by Ibrahim towards the end.
However, Muktijoddha were denied in the last minute when left fullback Munna’s long-range volley beat goalkeeper Sohel but agonizingly bounced off the crossbar.
Abahani’s Iranian coach Ali Akbar was not happy with players’ performance. “I am not happy the way boys played today. They did not play according to my instruction. The problems of the players were mentally not physically,” said the champion team coach.
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