Sports
Western Union Senior Division Football League

Badda frustrate Abahani


FIRING BLANKS! Maxim (C), the prolific Abahani striker, shots wide past Badda custodian Al-Amin (L) during their Western Union Premier Division match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

Leaders Abahani missed a chance to take a clear lead in the Western Union Premier Division Football League when they were held to a goalless draw by Badda Jagarani Sangsad at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

In an uninspiring match, Abahani perhaps still feeling the aftereffects from the hard-earned 3-3 draw against Brothers Union in their previous outing last week, failed to break down a spirited Badda defence.

Abahani still remained atop the table with eight points from four matches. But promotees Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra (seven points) can take solo lead if they beat Arambagh Krira Sangha their fourth match tomorrow. Badda have four points from as many games

Abahani perhaps played their worst game of the season and at no point looked like serious contenders for the title. Frustrated and shut out by the youngsters of Badda, who employed nine men in defence, the Sky Blues resorted to a physical game and Referee Maruf Sikder had a busy time keeping discipline. He had to caution six players on either side.

Russian forward Maxim, who scored four goals in the previous three matches, was one of the main culprits of rough play. Not surprisingly he received his third yellow card of the league which automatically suspends him from Abahani's next game against Dhanmondi on January 2.

The Badda booters also retaliated which led to five of their players seeing yellow.

Abahani's hot-headed Brazilian playmaker Alessandro was living dangerously which prompted coach Anatoly to replace him with midfielder Uzzal in the second half.

Despite the stubbornness of the opposition, the best chances still fell to Abahani.

Maxim almost scored in the 15th minute when his goal-bound shot was touched by teammate and attacking partner Saiful Islam Khokon who was in an offside position.

Maxim spoiled another chance in the 47th minute when he sent the ball miles over the cross piece instead of just placing it with the goalkeeper at his mercy.

Khokon muffed the last opportunity ten minutes from time after he volleyed straight into the safe hands of Badda custodian Al-Amin.

Yellow cards: Chandan, Zahid, Mintu, Belal, Johny (Badda) and Maxim (Abahani).

TEAMS

Abahani: Nijam, Osamanu, Sila, Mahmudul Hasan, Masood Rana, Abdullah Parvez, Joy, Pranotosh, Sandro (Uzzal), Maxim and Khokon.

Badda Jagarani: Al-Amin, Sumon, Hafiz, Daniel, Chandan (Benu), Arup, Zahid, Belal, Mintu (Milan), Nahid and Anwar (Johny).

Referee: Maruf Sikder.

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