Russell enters semis
Dhaka, January 18:Sheikh Russell reached the semifinal of the Grameenphone Federation Cup with a 4-2 win over Arambagh in the fourth quarterfinal held at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Wednesday.
Sheikh Russell took the lead in the 2nd minute when forward Anwar receiving a Faisal Mahmood corner shot into the near post and ball deflected from a defenders feet before crashing into the net (1-0).
The lead was doubled in the 4th minute when Cameroonian forward Siankam Emako was fouled by Nigerian defender Amadi Moses and the referee awarded a penalty and Emako converted it (2-0).
Arambagh hit back in the 32nd minute with Joel Uzume reducing the margin off a cut back of Eleta Kingsley and placing the ball in the middle of the net (2-1).
Six minutes later the score was 2-2. Russell defender Prodip failed to clear a regulation long ball and Eleta placed the ball over onrushing Russell custodian Biplob.
Russell was back to the lead again in the 53rd minute when Anwar’s cut back was cleared by the Arambagh defence but unmarked Faisal Mahmood scored from the middle of the box (3-2).
Arambagh was reduced to ten men when defender Deen Mohammed was sent off due to the second yellow card in the 79th minute.
Russell forward Yusuf scored the fourth in the 89th minute as he placed the ball past the Arambagh goalie after Anwar set him free (4-2).
Russell will meet Jamal in the second semifinal.