Abahani are winless in their last two matches against Mohammedan Sporting. And at the beginning of the year, in the last match of the group stage of the Federation Cup, they had to lose from the lead. Andres Cruciani’s team came from two goals ahead to win today’s first round of the Premier League. Mohammedan came from behind in the red card game to keep the scoreline at 2-2 for Abahani.
Abahani are third with 15 points from 9 matches with their fourth win and third draw. Mohammedan is in second place with 17 points from four wins and fifth draw. Bashundhara Kings won the draw of two arch rivals. The current champions are at the top with 21 points after playing one match less.
Abahani scored in the second minute of the match at the Rafique Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh on Friday. Brazilian midfielder Bruno Roca’s free kick flew into the air and curled into the net near the far post. Muhammadan goalkeeper Sujan Hossain could not reach even after jumping.
Mohammedan could have equalized in the 11th minute. However, the fans were disappointed when Uzbekistan’s midfielder Muzaffarov’s free kick hit the crossbar.
In the 38th minute, Pappu Hossain’s determination saved Abahani. Kamrul’s cross was returned by Pappu in the first phase, the goalkeeper saved Muzaffarov’s volley after receiving the ball for a corner.
Abahani started well after the break. Abahani took a 2-0 lead in the 55th minute. Washington’s measured cross from the right wing, another Brazilian Bruno Roca headed goalkeeper Sujan Hossain before quickly switching places with one touch and shaking the net with a tap.
Then the fortunes of the Mohammedans unfolded. Alfaz Ahmed’s team avoided defeat from two penalties.
Mohammedan got a penalty in the 65th minute. Emmanuel Toni was intercepted from behind by Mohammed Hriday. Referee Simon Hasan took no time to blow the penalty whistle. From the spot kick, Suleiman Diabate rattled the net with a bullet-speed shot to the right of Pappu. Although Pappu didn’t even jump to the line of the ball.
Abahani’s misfortune in the 72nd minute. The third goal was not scored. Bruno Roca’s measured free kick from just outside the box hits the crossbar.
Mohammedan equalized after 7 minutes. Kamrul’s long ball from the throw-in was caught by a defender inside the box. At the penalty whistle, Diabate scored a great shot to send the fans into a frenzy. However, manager Kazi Nazrul Islam could not accept such a decision of the referee in Abahani’s dug out. After talking to the assistant referee, Simon Hasan ran and sent him off the field after seeing the red card. Everyone started protesting towards the referee. This time the game was off for a few minutes.
The scoreline did not change when the game started. Both teams left the field with one point.
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