Fresh from their 5-1 rout of Mohammedan Sporting Club, Usha stretched their tally to 21 points with seven victories in eight outings. Their only loss came against Abahani last week. Even a draw against mid-table Ajax in their last round match will guarantee the old-Dhaka outfit pole position at the end of the first-leg.

Mariner, on the other hand, remain on their previous collection of 15 points following their first league defeat in eight matches.

In a rather dull first half, Nayeem put Usha ahead from a goalmouth scramble in the 18th minute after his fellow strikers failed to utilise a free hit by Asif-e Noor from the left side.

The match came alive after the break and Mariner were denied twice by brilliant saves from Usha's Under-21 national custodian Zahid who blocked Issa Mia and Chandan's attempts from two penalty-corners.

Nayeem then scored his second goal in the 46th minute to put Usha on top, diving forward to connect a left-side free hit by his compatriot Mohammed Nadim.

Veteran striker Rafiqul Islam Kamal then inspired a fightback by Mariner, setting up a goal for Pakistani striker Yamin Bhatti in the 58th minute. Kamal dashed down the left before switching the ball to Yamin, who dodged past Usha defender Yamin Hossain and sounded the board with a superb revrse hit from the top of the box.

Mariner pressed hard for an equaliser but failed to convert any of their six penalty-corners inside a four-minute blitz.

Usha were relieved one minute from time when captain Moududur Rahman Shuva tapped home after a concerted move by Mazharul Islam and Talib.