Mehdi powers DS to semis

The Daily Star romped into the Kool-BSJA Media Cup semifinals with a ruthless 3-0 win against Bangladesh Pratidin at the BFF astroturf yesterday.

Midfielder Abdullah Al Mehdi led from the front as DS’s attack fired on all cylinders with Nabid Yeasin again showing flashes of brilliance. Mehedi provided an assist to Sheikh Mehedi Morshed after some beautiful, intricate interplay.

He scored the second after a sumptuous set-piece delivery from the yet-again impeccable Samama Rahman, who won a free-kick after goalkeeper Osama Rahman played the worst possible pass as he attempted a ‘no-look pass like Ronaldinho’.

Mehdi added the third from a fine solo run -- the earth shaking with every heavy step -- before slotting home in clinical fashion. The highlight came when Rumman Kalam angered the sensitive Mazhar Uddin -- who is quite displeased with the coverage of the tournament -- but the infighting did not stop the DS juggernaut, who were cheered on by the dapper Bishwajit Roy, his son and blonde beauty Nafisa.

DS will take on favourites Dhaka Tribune in their semifinal tomorrow.