Dhaka, June 4: Muktijoddha and Sheikh Russell played out a goalless draw in the second phase of the Nitol-Tata Bangladesh Premier Football League at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Wednesday. 

Sheikh Russell came close to a strike in the 29th minute when midfielder Mithun Chowdhury broke free in the left edge of the box and unleashed fierce right footer, however Russell Mahmud Liton, the Muktijoddha goalie punched the ball to safety. 

In the very next minute Mithun received a corner from left hand flag and cut a looping shot from the edge of the box, much to his dismay the ball flew past the crosspiece. 

Muktijoddha absorbing the pressure started to hit back in the 40th minute and their Nigerian forward Eleta Kingsley was cursing his luck when his header on cross of compatriot Sunday Chizoba landed inches wide of the far post with Russell goalie Biplob Bhattacharjee stranded in near post. 

Biplob was again the savior in the 42nd minute as his timely fist denied Sunday Chizoba who limped forward to head a low cross of Md. Ibrahim. 

Muktijoddha coach Shafikul Islam Manik is an admirer of the long throw and he handed the responsibility to Enamul Haque for this match. In the 52nd minute Enamul’s long throw flying about 25 yards landed at the top of the six yard box and Eleta Kingley headed it towards goal, Biplob’s last ditch fist saved Russell from conceding a goal.

In the 71st minute Eleta hit the crosspiece from middle of the box.

Muktijoddha completed their second phase with 27 points from 18 matches while Russell have 21 points from 17 matches.