Cox's City into finals

Action from yesterday's Federation Cup qualifying match between Cox's City and Beanibazar at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.Photo: STAR

Newcomers Cox's City FC moved into the final round of the Grameenphone Federation Cup with a solitary-goal win over Bangladesh Navy in the opening match of the qualifiers at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
Meanwhile, a brace from Shahinur Islam powered Wari Club to a 3-0 win over 10-man Beanibazar SC. Wari will now have to face the winners between BKSP and Bangladesh Army in a play-off match to ensure their final spot.
Nurul Absar struck the decisive goal in the first half of the insipid opening game of the season as neither Bangladesh Championship League's side Cox's City nor Bangladesh Navy could impress the couple of hundreds spectators amid the chilly weather.
The standard of play was really frustrating as the players of the both side hardly managed to complete three consecutive passes. Both teams looked bereft of ideas and the ball was restricted to the midfield.
Amidst this poor play the only player who was mentionable for his performance was Nurul whose glancing header separated both sides at the end of the game. Nurul's goal came early, as he rose highest inside the box to head a Sirajul Karim left-flank cross past Navy goalkeeper Saleh Ahmed on 13 minutes.
Cox's City striker Saifuddin put up a miserable performance as the striker twice came close to doubling the lead but failed to beat opponent goalkeeper Saleh in one-on-one situations.
The second match between Wari Club and Beanibazar SC under the floodlights was comparatively more entertaining as both sides looked determined to leave the field with a victory.
From the beginning, a youthful Wari put up some signs of playing an organized game and went ahead with a fourth minute strike from Shahinur Islam, who converted a penalty shot after Mohiuddin Ahmed brought down Shafiqul Islam inside the danger zone.
Jakir Hossain Jiku doubled the lead in the 26th minute as the winger ran down from the right flank to send the ball over the head of advancing goalkeeper Sayeed Hasan.
Two minutes later, Beanibazar were reduced to 10 men when Zakir Hossain fouled Wari's Raji.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Beanibazar, who once played in the professional football league, never gave up and tried to find a way back into the game. But with a man shot they never really threatened Wari Club whose counter-attacking paid dividends when, after being set up by Jakir Hossain, Shahinur sealed the match with a left-footed grounder.