MSC hit rock bottom
Mohammedan Sporting Club created an unwanted piece of history as they finished in their lowest-ever position in the country's top flight football, ending at 10th after playing out a goalless draw against newcomers Uttar Baridhara Club in their final Bangladesh Premier League match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
The Motijheel-based outfit, who staved off relegation by a securing a point against Sheikh Jamal DC in their penultimate match, could secure only 20 points from 22 matches with three wins, 11 draws and eight defeats in the 12-team league.
Their worst finish previously came in the fourth edition of the professional football league in 2010, when they finished sixth. In their entire history, their lowest finish was eighth, coming in the First Division in 1977.
Alongside a worst-ever finish, Mohammedan also extended their barren run in terms of capturing the coveted league title to 14 years, while rivals Abahani celebrated their fifth title in the professional football league, which was introduced in 2006-07 season. The falling giants last won the league title in 2002, in the now-defunct Dhaka Premier League.
The Black and Whites have a distinctive record of winning all kinds of titles and trophies, but glory in the professional football league still remains a distant dream for the popular outfit. Rather than focusing on the one trophy that has eluded them, apparently the club management has made no efforts to form a strong team to challenge for the title that is missing from their rich trophy cabinet.
Mohammedan finished as runners-up in the first three editions of the professional football league, but since then they have struggled in each and every edition. However, as a result of the club's decision makers' lackadaisical attitude, Mohammedan have hit their nadir.
On the other hand, Uttar Baridhara Club are on the verge of escaping the relegation zone with 18 points from 22 matches, three points ahead of bottom-placed Feni Soccer Club.
Feni have still a shot at avoiding the fall if they can secure an outright win against Muktijoddha Sangsad. If they manage that, then they will take part in a play-off match against Uttar Baridhara to decide who will be relegated from the top flight.
In the second match of the day, last edition's champions Sheikh Jamal finished third with 32 points after coming from behind to play out a 1-1 draw against last edition's runners-up, Sheikh Russel -- who finished eighth with 25 points from 22 matches.
Alamgir Kabir Rana put Sheikh Russel ahead in the 17th minute before Gambian Landing Darboe equalised in stoppage time of the second half from a free-kick taken on the edge of the box.
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