MSC, Brothers eye 2nd spot

Mohammedan officials introduce their new signing, South Korean striker Oh Ddogyi, for the B. League to the media at the club premises yesterday.Photo: STAR

Brothers Union and Mohammedan face off today in a crucial B. League match with their eyes set on the second place ahead of Sheikh Russel.
The Dhaka derby between the two heavyweights will kick off at the Bangabandhu National Stadium at 4pm.
A win for Maruful Haque's in-form Mohammedan, one point adrift of third-placed Brothers (26 points), will take them within four points of leaders Abahani with one match in hand.
The Black and Whites come to the game on the back of three consecutive victories, their best run so far in the competition after an inconsistent start.
Wasim Iqbal's boys, however, have wounded their spirit after a 1-1 draw against Arambagh in the previous round. The Oranges, who had won five matches in a row, wasted numerous opportunities against Arambagh and their forwards must make most of the chances today in a bid to stay alive in the race.
"We are a bit on the backfoot after the draw against Arambagh but if we beat Mohammedan, we will be back on track," said Brothers manager Amer Khan.
"One can't afford so many mistakes in a match," remarked the former Brothers midfielder referring to his strikers' failure.
Admitting the lack of a quality striker, Amer added that Kenyan forward Nicodemus, who came as a substitute against Arambagh, is likely to start beside Ghanaian Henry Quay, who has so far scored six goals.
Brothers had released defensive midfielder Divine, who got an offer from a Jamaican club, but the Nigerian had to return to Dhaka from Dubai due to visa-problems and can play if he does not fly in the morning, Amer informed.
Mohammedan, who gave up an early lead in a 1-1 draw against Brothers in the first-leg, have been eagerly waiting to strengthen their attack with South Korean import Oh Ddogyi but his international transfer certificate was yet to arrive.
Coach Maruf said Ddogyi, a marksman who played in Singapore, has impressed the club during training and will start as soon as he gets the clearance.
"Otherwise, I am going to field the same team that beat Muktijoddha 5-0," said Maruf, who had used striker Komol as a midfielder.
"We have finally found the rhythm and the past three wins prove that."
The defence looks the only vulnerable point for Mohammedan, who miss injured Hassan Al Mamun and Jewel Rana, who has decided to retire.