Mohammedan, Sk Jamal, Rahmatganj into last eight

Mohammedan moved into the quarterfinals of the Federation Cup as Group A champions despite twice surrendering their lead in a 2-2 draw against Sheikh Jamal at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj yesterday.

In the group's other match, Rahmatganj came from behind to beat Azampur FC 2-1 to advance to the quarterfinals as Group A runners-up. Sheikh Jamal also booked a last-eight berth as one of the two best third-placed teams across the three groups.

Mohammedan, who have been inconsistent in the Bangladesh Premier League with only one win from six matches, remained solid in the cup, finishing the group stage with two wins and one draw.

The Black and Whites came into their group final match needing just a draw to finish as group champions. However, it was clear from the outset that both sides intended to secure an outright win, pressing across the field in an attempt to break the deadlock.

Midfielder Arif Hossain finally got the breakthrough, darting into the box from the left before beating Sheikh Jamal goalkeeper Rasel Mahmud Liton with a drive into the roof of the near post in the 28th minute.

But Sheikh Jamal hit back only 16 minutes later as Cornelius Stewart, despite being surrounded by three defenders, unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box to level proceedings in the 44th minute.

Mohammedan restored their lead in the 71st minute as Ashraful Islam Asif drove a 30-yarder into an open net after capitalising on a clearance from goalkeeper Liton, who could not return to his line after coming out to clear a long ball.

But poor defending meant it lasted just five minutes. Gambian forward Sulaymane shrugged off his marker and found the back of Mohammedan net with a grounded shot from outside the box. The creditable draw ensured Sheikh Jamal's last eight berth.

In Munshiganj, newcomers Azampur FC were on course for an upset following a 1-1 draw against Chittagong Abahani in the league last week, but they could not hold onto a sixth-minute lead provided by Rohit Sarkar.

Brazilian forward Valencia Silvia sent Azampur FC goalkeeper Md Razib the wrong way from the spot to level the margin in the 71st minute after Mujahid Hossain pulled back Fatkhulo Fathulloev inside the box. Three minutes later, substitute Ashraful Islam collected a corner and fired it into the top corner with goalkeeper Razib rooted to his spot.