Sk Jamal storm into semis
An impressive Sheikh Jamal DC stormed into the semifinals of the King's Cup with a thrilling 5-3 win over Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan AC in the last match of Group A at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan yesterday.
Nigerian hitman Emeka Darlington and Gambian Landing Darboe struck a brace each, while Haitian Wedson Anselme converted a spot-kick to provide Sheikh Jamal with another great win over Mohun Bagan, who suffered their second consecutive defeat to the Bangladesh Premier League champions after their 0-1 defeat in the IFA Shield last year.
With seven points from three outings, Sheikh Jamal emerged group champions to set up a semifinal clash against Manang Marshyangdi Club of Nepal tomorrow, while Mohun Bagan, despite having equal points with Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda of Thailand, also qualified for the semifinals by virtue of a win over the Thai club in the group stage and face fellow Indian team Pune FC in Sunday's second last four clash.
Sheikh Jamal had a hidden worry over their former star, Haitian Sony Norde, but he was rested by Mohun Bagan following the confirmation of the West Bengal side's semifinals berth. However, Sheikh Jamal's striking trio Emeka, Landing and Wedson hogged all the limelight and secured a memorable win.
Sheikh Jamal, who needed just one point to advance to the semifinals, got off to a brilliant start as Emeka, playing his first match in the tournament, stunned Mohun Bagan in the sixth minute before Landing doubled the lead ten minutes later.
Many might have rubbed their eyes in disbelief as Sheikh Jamal took a 2-0 lead over Mohun Bagan within 16 minutes, but there was still something left for the Kolkata giants as Sheikh Jamal kept pressing for the third, which prompted the Mohun Bagan backline to stop a powerful shot from Shohel Rana using their hands inside the box.
Wedson calmly converted the spot-kick to make it 3-0 on the half-hour mark before Emeka, the second highest scorer of Bangladesh Premier League last season, took the match away from Mohun Bagan after striking his second through a solo effort in the 54th minute.
Then, Mohun Bagan woke up and showed some signs of coming back as they reimbursed two goals inside two minutes courtesy of Pankaj Moula and Katsumi in the 56th and 57th minutes, but Landing killed them off, hitting his second and the team's fifth goal in the 63rd minute.
Mohun Bagan reduced the margin to 5-3 through Pibo in stoppage time after Sheikh Jamal's Wedson picked up his second yellow to leave his team down to 10 men after 90 minutes.
Comments