Abahani beat Russell
Dhaka, March 9: Dhaka Abahani reached the pole position of the Gramenphone Bangladesh Premier League beating Sheikh Russell by 1-0 goal at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday.
Sheikh Russell came close to a strike in the 15th minute but their Nigerian forward Pascal Naftali’s left footed cross took a curve and hit the Abahani cross piece.
Lucky Paul Otofe the Nigerian striker of Abahani in the 42nd minute was standing free at the top of the six yard box when defender Nasir provided a cut back to him, but Otofe failed to receive the ball.
Abahani took the lead in the 54th minute when substitute forward Shakhwat Hossain Rony headed a low cross of Lucky Paul Otofe past Russell goalie Biplob from the middle of the box (1-0).
Sheikh Russell pushed forward and earned a penalty in the 85th minute when Alamu Bukola Olalekan was brought down by Waly Faisal in the left edge of the box and referee awarded a penalty. Bukola however failed to score as Mohammed Al Hasan, the Ghanaian goalie of Abahani punched the ball away.
The win saw Abahani reach the top with 14 points from six matches while Sheikh Russell remained on their previous earning of 8 points from six matches.