Mamunul back with a bang
Mamunul Islam made a dream return to Abahani after 10 years, striking the only goal in the Sky Blues' win over Muktijoddha Sangsad in their Federation Cup opener at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
Mamunul, who last represented Abahani in the second season of the professional league era in 2008, struck in the 63rd minute to get Abahani's quest for a third successive title in the season's curtain-raising tournament -- a feat they last achieved in 2000 -- off on the right foot.
"I am happy to repay the faith the coaching staff and team management placed on me," former national team captain Mamunul said. "You know that it's very tough to score as a defensive midfielder. I want to thank Sunday [Chizoba] for the nice ball but all credit goes to the teammates who supported me tremendously in my first game back for Abahani."
"I am trying to cope with Abahani and adapt to their playing style because securing a place in the starting eleven will not be easy with the presence of some quality midfielders," said the 30-year-old midfielder, who mostly warmed the bench for Chittagong Abahani last season.
The Dhanmondi-based outfit had more possession but failed to mount meaningful attacks and would have gone behind if not for goalkeeper Shahidul Alam Sohel's brilliant save two minutes from the break.
With Abahani strikers Kervens Belfort and Sunday struggling, Muktijoddha again came close to taking the lead in the 48th minute only to see Mohammad Sohel denied by the woodwork.
Having survived the scare, Mamunul rescued Abahani by driving home a left-footed shot after availing a Sunday header.
Muktijoddha came close to levelling three minutes into stoppage time. Ballo Famoussa of Ivory Cost did the hard part by dancing into the box past three defenders from the right side, but failed to do the easy bit and slot past Sohel in a one-on-one situation.
In the day's second match, Saif SC handed a 3-1 defeat to Team BJMC at the same venue, riding on two penalties.
Saif SC, who had a long pre-season preparation that saw them clinch the Bodousa Cup in India, went ahead from the spot in the fifth minute after BJMC's Uzbek defender Furkat Jon brought down Seungil Park, who converted.
Six minutes later Abdullah Al Mamun equalised with a header before Saif restored the lead in the 66th minute through substitute Jafar Iqbal.
Saif's Russian striker Denis Bolshakov ensured the win in the 89th minute, converting another penalty after Iliasu handled a free-kick inside the box.
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