Abahani halt Usha charge

The title race of the Green Delta Insurance Premier Division Hockey League heated up further after league leaders Usha Krira Chakra were held to a 1-1 draw by Abahani at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium yesterday. The draw between the joint champions did little favour to the Sky Blues, as they still trail Usha by eight points with only three games remaining, however, it did come as a blow to Usha and served as a morale boost for title rivals Mariner Youngs Club.

The draw brought Usha back on top with 38 points, but they are just one point above Mariner Youngs, with both having only two games in hand. The champion could very well be decided when the two title aspirants clash in the final game of the league on July 1.

Usha came into the match looking to restore their three point advantage, and with the happy memory of beating Abahani in their first encounter of the league. But the Old Dhaka outfit were stunned as they conceded a goal in the 14th minute when national team's forward Rumman Sarkar scored a wonderful goal, with sidestepping Usha goalkeeper Nippon after having dribbled past three defenders.

Tanzil Ahmed wasted a glorious opportunity in the 25th minute to double the margin before Pushkor Khisha Mimo failed to equalise for Usha nine minutes later. Krishna Kumar wasted an opportunity in the 62nd minute to equalise before Pakistani recruit Aleem Belal finally got Usha back into the game by converting a penalty corner in the 65th minute. Usha could have walked away with all three points had either Mimo or Krishna managed to connect to Belal's reverse-hit three minutes later.