Jibon rescues Abahani

A 'controversial' headed goal from Nabib Newaj Jibon rescued Abahani in the Bangladesh Premier League in a single-goal win over Rahmatganj MFS at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Jibon, who seemed to be in an offside position, nodded a Kervens Belfort header into the net following a freekick from Mamunul Islam as the Sky Blues took revenge for their tiebreaker defeat against the Old Dhaka outfit in the Federation Cup quarterfinals.

Coming into the match on the back of a 1-1 draw against Brothers Union, the six-time professional league champions could hardly improve their performance against Rahmatganj, who took a counter-attacking approach by keeping a compact defence. However, captain Jibon rescued his side with a decisive header which prompted the Rahmatganj players to protest by surrounding assistant referee Monir Dhali but referee MA Nahid stuck to his decision.

Rahmatganj, who held Sheikh Russel to a draw in their previous match, were in a defensive mood from the word go and kept their superior opponents at bay, thanks to some brilliant saves by former national goalkeeper Rasel Mahmud Liton.

Abahani forwards broke the Rahmatganj defence a few times, but Liton stood tall to deny Sunday Chizoba, Jibon, Edgar Bernhardt and Belfort.

Belfort released a nice forward-pass to Sunday in the fifth minute but the Nigerian striker saw his low drive inside the box easily gripped by Liton, who then stopped a powerful 25-yard shot from Jibon in the 13th minute.

Jibon once again came close to breaking the deadlock in the 35th minute but failed to beat Liton from close range before eventually getting the better of Liton in the 55th minute.

After conceding the lead, Rahmatganj started to press against the Sky Blues, who however went close to doubling the lead but Sunday hit the ball straight at Liton after Saad Uddin whipped in a low cross from the right.

Rahmatganj's real chance to level the margin came in the 75th minute, but Guinean defender Camara Younoussa saw his header go inches over the crossbar while Belfort failed to beat Liton from a one-on-one situation four minutes later.

In face of pressure from Rahmatganj, Abahani coach Mario Lemos sent on Egyptian defender Eissa Elmaghrabby in place of Sunday and Abahani left the field with their second win in their third match to join leaders Bashundhara Kings and Saif SC on top of the table.