Sheikh Jamal keep winning
Holders Sheikh Jamal DC extended their winning run to four matches in the JB Bangladesh Premier League after a thrilling 5-4 win over Brothers Union at the Sylhet District Stadium yesterday.
With the hopes of luring spectators, the ongoing ninth edition of the professional football league is being held in three separate venues apart from Dhaka, but after decent response from Chittagong and Mymensingh crowd, the first day in Sylhet saw a poor turnout. However, those who did turn up witnessed a high-scoring affair as the league leaders overcame a spirited fightback from Brothers Union.
Sheikh Jamal's new coach Stefan Hansson was not happy with his side, who conceded three penalties, but were lucky to secure full three points, thanks to goalkeeper Maksudur Rahman Mustaq's effort to thwart the third penalty taken by Augustine Walson in the stoppage time of the second half.
“Our defence was vulnerable and it is not acceptable to concede three penalties in a match,” Hansson said. “I have never seen nine goals in any matches I managed.”
Brothers coach Syed Naeemuddin was also not happy after losing the match despite a spirited show from his charges.
“The way the match progressed, it was supposed to end in a draw,” said Naeemuddin, whose side came into the match on the back of a 3-1 win over Sheikh Russel KC.
Though Sheikh Jamal's striking trio of Wedson Anselme, Emeka Darlington and Landing Darboe looked lethargic from the start, the trio finally made a huge impact on the match as they shared four goals among them while national under-16 team striker Sarwar Zaman Nipu struck his first goal in the professional league. Wedson struck a brace while Landing and Emeka netted one goal apiece.
For Brothers Union, Nkowcha Kingsley scored a brace while Walson and Mannaf Rabbi scored one apiece.
The fifth win helped Sheikh Jamal take solo lead with 18 points from eight games, and put them two points clear of second-placed Abahani, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Sheikh Russel KC in the second match of the day.
Shakhawat Hossain Rony gave Sheikh Russel, who came into the match having suffered six defeats in seven matches, the lead in the 66th minute. However, hopes of a first win for Shafiqul Islam Manik's side were dashed when Jewel Rana equalised eighteen minutes later.
The second draw in eight matches means the former champions are still rooted to the bottom of the twelve-team table with only two points in their account.
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