Abahani back on top
Dhaka, March 16: Dhaka Abahani Ltd returned to the top of the points table after beating defending champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club 2-1 in the Grameenphone Bangladesh Premier League at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday.
With the win, Abahani now have 17 points from 7 matches while Jamal remained with 7 points from the same number of matches.
Jamal could have taken the lead in the 5th minute when Nigerian forward Kestar Akon unleashed a powerful shot but Abahani goalie Shahidul Alam Sohel punched the ball to safety.
Abahani Ltd got back to the game quickly and took the lead in the 8th minute through Nigerian forward Lucky Paul Otofe. The Nigerian saw his first attempt fisted by Sheikh Jamal goalie Piaruzzaman Piru, Twum Frank found the rebound and passed the ball to Paul inside the box, this time the Nigerian forward made no mistake to send the ball into the net. (1-0)
After the break, Abahani got two chances to double the lead but Jamal custodian Piru saved brilliantly on both occasions.
First chances came in the 50th minute when Pranotosh’s long shot was punched by Piru for corner. Two minute later, Paul’s shot again saved Piru following a pass from Ibrahim.
Abahani play maker Ghanaian midfielder Awudu Ibrahim doubled the lead in the 66th minute with a solo effort. After receiving a ball from Paul, the Ghanaian midfielder entered into the box and beat onrushing goalie Piru with a powerful shot. (2-0)
Jamal reduced the margin just a minute later when substitute Atiqur Rahman Meshu headed home off Nigerian forward Kestar Akon's cross. (2-1)