'Foiling Zahid, Emily was key'

Abahani's Brazilian star Luiz Rumolo de Castro (C) celebrates putting his team ahead against archrivals Mohammedan in their Federation Cup clash at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED

Abahani's veteran national defender Wali Faisal was perhaps the happiest of the lot after his side outplayed arch-rivals Mohammedan 2-0 in their Federation Cup encounter last night, because he became a father earlier in the morning. The left-back, who could not see his new-born son during the day due to the match, played a key role in stifling the Mohammedan attackers down the flank. Zahid Hossain especially found it difficult to manoeuvre the ball when he switched flanks.
The left-back said it was a double delight for him as winning against the arch-rivals is special. “It is a double delight for me. This triumph will always remain in my memory due to the birth of my son,” said Wali, who celebrated the first goal along with his teammates by mimicking a cradle.
“Last season I could not play for five months due to injury but I am happy after returning to the pitch and helping the team to win this crucial match,” said Abahani's opening goal scorer, Brazilian striker Luiz Rumolo de Castro, at the post-match press conference.
Abahani coach Amalesh Sen admitted that marking Emily and Zahid effectively was key to their victory while capitalising on chances made the difference. “It was a team effort because not only the foreign players, but also the local players played well and we will now play the quarterfinal with extra motivation,” said Amalesh. “We marked Emily and Zahid effectively to foil their attacks.”
Mohammedan's assistant coach Jewel Rana, standing in for head coach Saiful Bari who is reportedly ill, had stated his worries about defence and the quality of his foreign players and was left ruing the defensive lapses once more.
“We could not avail the opportunities but they (Abahani) did, and those opportunities came from our defensive lapses. We were also far inferior in our foreign players. All these added to our defeat, but we look forward to the quarterfinal against Sheikh Jamal,” said the former national captain.