Eduard drives Sk Russel

Sheikh Russel KC's Russian forward Eduard Sakhnevich is about to unleash a powerful shot at goal during their Bangladesh League encounter against Arambagh KS at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.Photo: STAR

Russian forward Eduard Sakhnevich struck a brace as Sheikh Russel KC's winning streak in the Grameenphone Bangladesh League continued with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Arambagh KS at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
The 10th win in 17 matches means Sheikh Russel surpass holders Abahani to grasp the third position by virtue of superior goal difference with 35 points each, four behind leaders Muktijoddha Sangsad. However, Abahani have played a game less than Sk Russel. Arambagh remain in eighth position with 17 points from as many matches.
Fresh from a 1-0 win over leaders Muktijoddha Sangsad, Sheikh Russel went into this match brimming with confidence against the mid-table side, who held them to a 1-1 draw in their first meeting, but this time Russian Sakhnevich made the difference striking two goals and feeding the other for Effiong Duke.
On a muddy pitch after the downpour, both sides struggled to control the ball and shared possession equally before Sakhnevich, who darted into the box to avail a through pass from Moro Mohammad, gave Sheikh Russel a 23rd-minute lead.
Five minutes from the break, Arambagh bit back to cancel the lead with an eye-catching strike from Ghanaian Subair Mohammad, who being set up by Guinean midfielder Bangoura Ismael, curled superbly from an acute angle inside the box to level the margin.
Two minutes into the second half, Sakhnevich restored the lead nodding in a Monaem Khan Raju header. The goal improved the Russian's league tally to seven from six matches.
Sakhnevich then turned provider for the third as he square-passed one to the unmarked Nigerian Duke, who fired home from the edge of the six-yard box in the 69th minute.
“I am very pleased after scoring two goals and providing the other that helped Sheikh Russel win the game,” said Sakhnevich, adding that they have an eye on the league title.
“It is very much possible to win the league title but we will have to win remaining five matches. Even though the matches against Sheikh Jamal, Abahani and Mohammedan will be tough, we are looking forward to secure full points from those,” said Sakhnevich.