Ucchash sends Police packing

Sheikh Russel exacted some revenge for their Bangladesh Premier League defeat at the hands of Bangladesh Police FC, handing them a single-goal defeat in the Federation Cup at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Flight Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium yesterday.

Substitute Nihat Jaman Ucchash struck the all-important goal in the second half.

A maiden triumph in their first cup match saw Sheikh Russel progress to the quarterfinals from Group C. Yesterday's result also confirmed Abahani's quarterfinal berth while condemning Police FC, semifinalists of the Independence Cup, to elimination after two straight defeats.

Bangladesh Police rested all their foreign players, who played a key role in beating Sheikh Russel 2-1 in the BPL, but failed to replicate their win in the league as the Independence Cup runners-up dominated Police throughout.

Boosted by a full-strength side, Sheikh Russel got off to a fine start and enjoyed more possession. They created at least three chances to open their account but Mfon Sunday Udoh, Charles Didier and Timur Talipov squandered those opportunities in the first half.

After resumption, Sheikh Russel appeared to have broken the deadlock in the 51st minute when Mohammad Ibrahim drove home a rebound which ricocheted off the post from a Talipov free-kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Finally, Ucchash, who replaced Hemanta Vincent in the 68th minute, nodded home a Charles Didier free-kick from close range in the 77th minute.