Abahani's Victory Day

Abahani triumphed in the first tournament of the year when they edged underdogs Arambagh Krira Sangha 3-2 in an entertaining final, in the Protiti Pharma Victory Day Club Cup yesterday.

Zahid Hasan Emily and Abul Hossain made up for missing the semifinal victory against event hosts Mohammedan due to suspension with first-half strikes while player of the tournament Zahed Parvez fired the decisive goal after the break to bolster the 6,000-strong Abahani fans at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Arambagh, who refused to sit back, reduced the arrears through Kenyan player Domenic and guest midfielder Rezaul Karim Liton but failed to equalise despite threatening to score in the last quarter of the game.

Arambagh, who had lost 2-1 to Abahani in their first major final in the Federation Cup 11 years ago, looked menacing on set-pieces but two attempts by Liton - on loan from Brothers Union - hardly troubled Biplab at the sky-blues goal.

Abahani, who overcame a poor start with composed performance following a shock 1-0 loss to Badda Jagarani in the opener of the eight-team meet, found their rhythm soon and Ujjal forced Arambagh custodian Piru to keep the ball away.

The resulting corner in the 18th minute put Amalesh Sen's professional league champions ahead when Ujjal picked up Nazrul at the far post and the centre-back's headed pass was nodded into the back of the net by Abul.

Five minutes later, Emily made it 2-0 when he shot a rebound home for his fourth goal in the competition after Zahed's shot ricocheted off Piru.

The sky-blues were in total control but woodwork denied the Dhanmondi giants from a third goal when Zahed rattled the crossbar four minutes later.

Domenic, who earlier tested Biplab with a curling freekick, then brought Arambagh back with a sublime shot in the 35th minute. Imu floated a freekick from the right and Domenic, raring to go at the left, drilled a first-time volley with his left into the far corner.

Domenic came close to level the scores four minutes from the breather but his effort from 15 yards was brilliantly parried by a diving Biplab.

The national goalkeeper was working overtime and was as sharp as ever to thwart Liton's close-range drive just two minutes after resumption.

Despite unfit skipper Joy limping, Abahani regrouped and man-of-the-final Emily saw his powerful header blocked by a defender in the 52nd minute.

With second-choice holding midfielder Pranotosh unavailable for family commitments, fullback Mintu replaced Joy a minute later but it proved almost fatal as Abahani lost territorial advantage after their third goal in the 49th minute.

Sent racing into the box by Zahed, Emily fired a low drive but the tournament top scorer's shot was deflected by Piru who, however, could not stop an onrushing Zahed from slotting the ball into the open net.

Robin came in for Tipu but even the fresh legs of the young striker could not help his teammates, who began to fall further behind.

Biplab, otherwise perfect, almost gifted a goal when he waited too long for the ball to cross the line, allowing Domenic to snatch possession and cut it back. However, Wali's sliding tackle denied Liton a shot on the open goal in the 71st minute.

The two-goal cushion in the end, rescued Abahani as an aggressive Arambagh found the net 11 minutes from time. Liton, set by a square pass from Monu, shrugged off his marker Nazrul and survived a late tackle by Wali inside the box to shoot a low drive into Biplab's left hand post.

Joy admitted that Abahani drifted away from the game towards the end.

"This match was not like our previous three games. I could not give my full effort and I think the boys, after early goals, did not take Arambagh very seriously," the Abahani captain said.

"After going 2-0 up, we should have dominated the whole show. It was not so."

Zahed, who made his Premiership debut in 2002, said it was the most memorable event in his career.

"I had a wonderful tournament and I am pleased the way I have played. I have never performed so consistently in a tournament before," said the midfielder, who was not even in the line-up for Abahani's first match but won two awards for the tournament's best player.

Bangladesh National Sports Council chairman and Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed, who was introduced to the finalists before the match, later distributed trophies as chief guest.

Bangladesh Olympic Association acting secretary-general Kutubuddin Ahmed and tournament organisers Mohammedan Sporting Club officials were also present.

Giants vs Pretenders

Favourites Abahani will have momentum behind them as they look to secure the Protiti Pharma Victory Day Club Cup tournament with a win over underdogs Arambagh in the final today.

The match between the Dhanmondi-based giants and their Motijheel counterparts will take place at the Bangabandhu National Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 4:15 pm.

Having fallen to a surprise defeat in their opening game of the tournament to Badda Jagarani, Abahani have looked stronger with every passing game and reached the final by overturning arch rivals and tournament hosts Mohammedan with a virtuoso performance.

Attacking midfielder Ujjal starred in that game, but the utility player could find himself in the bench with two stars set to return for the final.

“Both Emily and Abul are set to come back into the team (both sat out the semifinal to prevent suspension),” confirmed club captain Arif Khan Joy - a sign that could only bode well for Abahani.

“Our greatest strength is the depth we have in the squad. We can play well even without some of our first choice players, as we showed against Mohammedan.

"And if we can maintain the good rhythm that we have struck, than I am sure of a positive outcome,” said the shaven-headed midfielder.

As regards to surprise package Arambagh in the final, Joy assured that his team was not taking the underdogs lightly.

“A final is a final. We go into it hoping to play our best. Since they have come this far, they are also a good side.”

Coach Satyajit Das Rupu also echoed his captain's comments.

“Since the loss to Badda, the only way we have gone is up. We started on a low but we want to make up for it by ending on a high,” said Rupu.

For their part, Arambagh are revelling at the lack of pressure, maintaining that they are well groomed to spring an upset.

They will have their work cut out though as guest midfielder Rezaul Karim Liton, who scored in the semifinal victory, will be unavailable.

Despite that fact, coach Kazi Jolly seemed confident that they would provide an able opponent for the local giants.

He said, “We have done well throughout the whole tournament and we want to go into the final hoping to play to the best of our abilities. If we can do that than I shall not rule out an upset.”

Captain Akram Hossain, similarly unfazed, said, “True that Abahani are a big and famous team and they have played together for a long time but our greatest strength is in our teamwork. We may not have their stars but collectively we can cause them problems.”

He was also equally pragmatic about forcing a result.

“We will give it our best shot and I am hoping we can spring a surprise.”

This is not the first time that Abahani and Arambagh will meet in the final of a local tournament.

Back in 1997, the sides met in the final of the Federation Cup, with the Sky Blues emerging as 2-1 winners in that contest.

And if they can repeat that scoreline, their coach and faithful following will have plenty to celebrate about tonight.

Abahani Beat Mohammedan to Reach Final

Abahani buried a wretched start to the Protiti Pharma Victory Day Club Cup when they knocked out arch rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club yesterday to reach the final of the year's first tournament.

Mehdi Hassan Ujjal's sublime second-half goal helped the sky-blues edge tournament hosts Mohammedan 1-0 in the second semifinal before a 15,000-strong holiday crowd at the Bangabandhu National Stadium to set a clash against Arambagh in tomorrow's final.

The two sides had met in one final previously, in the Federation Cup in 2000, with Abahani winning the title.

Amalesh Sen's B. League champions Abahani, who lost 1-0 to Senior Division side Badda Jagarani in the tournament opener but won the rest of the group games in style, started brightly despite missing key striker Emily and attacking midfielder Abul, both suspended following two bookings each.

On the other hand, the black and whites who came to the game on the back of a controversial group match against Arambagh, hardly impressed with five guest players in the starting lineup.

Dubbed 'unsporting' by the tournament committee, Mohammedan's 3-1 victory against Arambagh was scratched and both the teams were punished.

And Shafiqul Islam Manik's boys, probably the most inexperienced team fielded ever by the popular club, were lucky to survive a barrage of rival attacks in the first 45 minutes.

Abahani's guest striker Robin got plenty of chances to separate the two sides but his efforts in the 12 and 18 minutes went wide. Siraji fired a rebound just over Shakil's bar as Abahani began to get behind the five-man Mohammedan backline with almost every move.

Ujjal then sent a crossfield pass to Zahed Parvez at the right flank and the winger's low shot to the far post from ten yards, which certainly looked set to beat goalkeeper Shakil, was intercepted by centre-back and Mohammedan captain Biplab on the half hour.

With Abahani enjoying superior ball possession, Mohammedan midfielders were chasing shadows and whenever they won back the ball, miss passes marred their chances to go ahead.

Fullback Kamal, however, put Biplab to the test in the 37th minute but the Abahani custodian gripped a powerful centre in his second attempt, denying a lurking Charles Figo a shot at goal.

Figo threatened to score against run of play a couple of minutes later but his solo down the left was wasted as his low cross ran across the face of the goal harmlessly.

Abahani had two more chances in the rest of the entertaining first half but Shakil palmed away the ball off Tipu's feet on one on one while Ujjal and Zahed both failed to make most of the rebound.

Robin once again failed to utilise a through by skipper Joy when the youngster fired the ball wide of the far post on the brink of halftime.

Mohammedan made one change at the break but even before they settled, Ujjal struck a superb goal in the 50th minute.

The attacking midfielder himself initiated the move and was in the right position when Zahed drilled a square pass through a forest of legs from the right. Under pressure from two defenders, Ujjal chipped the ball over Shakil and into the net off the far post.

The Mohammedan defence was one man short at that moment as Jewel Rana was nursing a hamstring injury outside the pitch and the veteran guest defender played no more part in the game.

Shakil, another invited recruit, was graceful under pressure as he made a series of saves. Having denied low drives by Wali and Ujjal, the Mohammedan keeper parried a glancing header by Pranotosh to keep the side in the game. But substitute Arafat Rony failed to equalise in the 57th minute when he drove the ball straight to Biplab inside from the area.

Tipu should have scored on the hour but the veteran striker shot the ball onto Shakil after latching on a through by Wali.

Abahani had to remain satisfied with a slim win as man-of-the-match Ujjal, who was sent racing into the box by Nazrul's long overhead pass, saw his placing shot cleared by Ariful from the goalmouth after beating Shakil five minutes later.

Abahani's ultra defensive ploy afterwards and the decision to keep the tired forwards on the pitch gave Mohammedan the chance to go all out in the last 20 minutes but neither Farhad nor Figo managed to get the better of a solid Abahani defence.

A Final Before a Final

Mohammedan Sporting Club will look forward to rebuild a tarnished image following an 'unsporting' game against Arambagh in the group stage and the punishment they had received for it when they face archrivals Abahani in the second semifinal of the Protiti Pharma Victory Day Club Cup today.

The match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium will be telecast live by ATN Bangla from 4.15pm.

Everyone dreams about an Abahani-Mohammedan final whenever a tournament is being held. In a bid to avoid Abahani in the semis, event hosts Mohammedan looked set to lose their group match against eventual finalists Arambagh before crowd agitation forced the local giants to play for a win.

The tournament committee, however, forfeited Mohammedan's 3-1 win and fined Tk 50,000 each to both teams for 'hurting the spirit of the game'.

"I don't think the dispute surrounding Tuesday's match will influence my team tomorrow as they don't want to look back. All the players' focus is on the semifinal," black and whites coach Shafiqul Islam Manik said yesterday.

Manik, who has been using about five guest players, admitted his side will start as dark horse against an inform Abahani.

"We didn't have adequate preparation and there is little understanding among the players. Still, Abahani - who have showed superb team work so far - can be beaten if our players use their senses," the former national fullback added.

After resting half a dozen regulars against Arambagh, Manik will have all his booters available against the sky-blues, who will miss key striker Emily and attacking midfielder Abul.

Abahani coach Amalesh Sen thinks the Mohammedan-Arambagh match has hurt the spirit of the tournament as well as affecting his players.

"The tournament committee should have scratched both teams rather than just doing its duty by fining them," opined Amalesh. "It has upset my boys."

The former national midfielder claimed Abul was not shown two yellow cards but the tournament committee has banned him for the semifinal.

Abahani have appealed against the decision but missing Emily would seriously damage their firepower.

Abahani got off on the wrong foot when they lost 1-0 to Badda in the opener but Emily scored in both their wins against Wanderers and Muktijoddha.

It would also be a revenge mission for the sky-blues, who lost 2-1 last December in a three-match exhibition series between the two sides to raise fund for the victims of Cyclone Sidr.

Arambagh in Final

A late rally steered Arambagh Krira Sangha to end Badda Jagarani's impressive run in the Protiti Pharma Victory Day Club Cup football tournament and enter the final with a 2-0 win in the first semifinal yesterday.

Guest midfielder Rezaul Karim Liton and Ugandan striker Iddi Badambuze scored inside the last ten minutes at the almost empty Bangabandhu National Stadium as Arambagh set a final date on February 10 against the winners of today's semifinal between Abahani and Mohammedan.

It would be Arambagh's third final of a major tournament after reaching the Federation Cup finals in 1996 and 2000 although they had lost on both occasions.

Senior Division side Badda, who began the eight-team event with a stunning 1-0 win over Abahani, stormed to the last four as Group B champions when they thrashed Dhaka Wanderers 4-1 even after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Muktijoddha in the group stage.

The Badda youngsters, however, showed their nerves against professional league club Arambagh in the knockout stage. With skipper and former national midfielder Mintu missing out due to injury, they heavily missed the touch of experience and survived a close call after 21 minutes.

Arambagh's outstanding performer Liton, a former international from Brothers Union who has been playing as a guest, took a superb corner but defender and captain Akram's brilliant header was cleared by another header by Russel Jr from the goalline.

Badda should have clinched the lead after 43 minutes but stand-in captain Nasir, who has been included in the national Under-19 squad for this month's Indo-Bangladesh Bangla Games, fluffed a sitter in the 43rd minute. He had rival keeper Piru on one-on-one after a corner but the midfielder shot the ball over the bar near from the penalty spot.

With both sides failing to break the deadlock at the break, Liton provided another chance 13 minutes after resumption but his chip from the left was headed out of danger before the two African forwards could meet the ball.

Arambagh fullback Monu, who scored the infamous own goal on Tuesday that helped Mohammedan score the equaliser in a controversial Group A finale, then connected a left-flank lob but his header was fisted out by goalkeeper Nehal at the Badda goal in the 50th minute.

Domenic found the net soon after but the Kenyan's goal was ruled out for offside shortly before Badda wasted a freekick just outside from the area.

Arambagh, who concentrated to break through the flanks, failed to make most of a poor clearance by Nehal on a right-side cross but the pressure told in the 80th minute.

This time, Iddi floated the ball from the right and Liton sliced through two centre-backs to stab a sharp header into the far post.

Iddi then sealed the victory in the stoppage time with a scorching left-footer after Domenic used his chest to set him inside the penalty box after meeting a right-side cross by Monu.

Mohammedan and Arambagh Punished

The Protiti Pharma Victory Day Club Cup tournament committee did football a favour by penalising local giants Mohammedan Sporting Club and Arambagh Krira Sangha for their 'unsporting' behaviour and playing against the 'spirit of the game'.

Having confirmed their semifinal berths, the two teams were engaged in an 'unfair' contest of trying to lose the last match of Group A on Tuesday - apparently in a bid to finish group runners-up and avoid a clash with favourites Abahani in the semifinals.

Normalcy returned in the latter stage of the match under pressure of the angry fans and eventually, tournament hosts Mohammedan won 3-1.

The disciplinary committee, taking match commissioner Abdus Sadek's report into consideration, yesterday termed the Mohammedan-Arambagh tie completely 'unsporting'.

The tournament committee also condemned the two teams for hurting the spirit of the game although they had ensured their places in the last four before going into the game.

Representatives of the two clubs, who were present in the disciplinary committee meeting, also apologised for their acts.

The two teams have been fined Tk 50,000 each, the amount they are to receive as appearance money. Both clubs have been directed to pay the fine before their respective semifinals. The total Tk one lakh will go into Bangladesh Football Federation's fund for distressed footballers and organisers.

The result of the match has also been cancelled but the standing in the group and the semifinal line-up remain same. Level on four points with Arambagh, Mohammedan are still group champions by virtue of better goal difference.

"We have done this for the sake of football," said tournament committee chairman and former national and Mohammedan captain Zakaria Pintoo.

"This is our (Mohammedan's) tournament and had we not done this, we would have been branded as crooks forever. Now we have proved that at least, we do not support such acts," added the former international defender, who had condemned the club during the match on the previous day.

Chairman of the disciplinary committee Jahirul Haque, who has been associated with Mohammedan since his playing days, also regretted the incident during the match.

"People know us and when they will see this match, they will lose all respect. I feel ashamed at what I've been seeing," Jahirul had commented.

Meanwhile, as the first semifinal kicks off today, surprise pack Badda Jagarani will look to maintain their dream run when they face Arambagh.

The match will kick off at the Bangabandhu National Stadium at 4.15pm with ATN Bangla bringing live telecast.

Badda are the only Senior Division side alive in the tournament along with three professional league clubs - Arambagh, B. League champions Abahani and Mohammedan.

Badda began the eight-team event with a stunning 1-0 win over Abahani but fell to Muktijoddha in the next match before sealing their semifinal berth with a 4-1 crushing of Dhaka Wanderers.

Arambagh drew with Victoria and beat Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool before the controversial encounter against Mohammedan, who face archrivals Abahani in tomorrow's second semifinal.

Mohammedan on the other hand, started with a comfortable win against Youngmen's but were held by Victoria to a goalless draw.

Abahani pulled their socks after the defeat to Badda with emphatic wins against Wanderers and Muktijoddha.

MSC and Abahani to Clash in Semis

Tournament sponsors Mohammedan Sporting Club put their reputation at stake during the last group-stage match of the Protiti Pharma Victory Day Club Cup football tournament against Arambagh Krira Sangha.

After Victoria Sporting Club's hopes to reach the semifinals was dashed following a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool in yesterday's first match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, Mohammedan and Arambagh's places in the semifinals were secured.

Having sealed their semifinal berth, Mohammedan apparently wanted to avoid a clash with arch rivals Abahani in the last four and looked set to concede the match.

But the public's reaction and wrath of the angry fans forced the black and whites to come from behind and win the match 3-1.

Mohammedan, who emerged Group A champions with seven points, will now face Group B runners-up Abahani in the second semifinal on Friday while Senior Division side and surprise pack of the tournament Badda Jagarani, who won Group B, will be pitted against B. League club Arambagh in tomorrow's first knockout game.

Mohammedan's intentions looked clear from the start as they fielded just four players from their previous game's starting lineup against their neighbours.

And when Arambagh's Kenyan striker Domenic sliced through two rival defenders without any resistance to open the scoring after 20 minutes, a 2,000-strong crowd began to stir uncomfortably in the stands.

Shafiqul Islam Manik's boys made no effort to equalise in the rest of the first half. The booters also crossed the ball to the wrong persons whenever they had possession near the rival goal.

Domenic was substituted just after the break and Arambagh did not enjoy the situation as the Mohammedan fans started protesting vehemently, feeling cheated by their beloved team.

Jahirul Haque, a Mohammedan man throughout his life during and after a glorious playing career, admitted he was feeling ashamed too.

"People know us and when they will see this match, they will lose all respect. I feel ashamed at what I've been seeing," said Jahirul, also the chairman of the Bangladesh Football Federation's disciplinary committee, during the match.

Tournament committee chairman, former Mohammedan and national captain Zakaria Pintoo tried to avoid the media but in the end, commented: "Mohammedan are not playing as they should have been after conceding a goal."

Arambagh defender Imdadul Haque Monu then changed the scenario of the game when he sent a backpass towards his own goal, giving substitute goalkeeper Mithul no chance to stop the equaliser in the 68th minute.

The crowd got more agitated and seeing no other option, the giant in Mohammedan woke up and they changed gear. Arafat Rony drilled a low shot into the net to put his side ahead two minutes later while Nigerian player Menjamin, who replaced Walid, made it 3-1 in the 90th minute.

However, Mohammedan's pride was hardly salvaged on an evening to forget despite the late heroics.

Earlier, Youngmen's recorded their first victory in the meet with a 34th minute strike from Rony and Komol's second half brace as Victoria's winning streak ended.

Muktijoddha Out, Badda and Abahani in Semis

Zahed Parvez fired Abahani into the semifinals of the Protiti Pharma Victory Day Club Cup football tournament with one spectacular goal and an assist for Zahid Hassan Emily as the sky-blues knocked Muktijoddha Sangsad out of the competition with a 2-0 win yesterday.

B. League champions Abahani finished Group B runners-up to Senior Division side Badda Jagarani, who crushed Dhaka Wanderers 4-1 in the day's earlier match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium to win the group by virtue of a better goal difference.

Both teams ended level on six points while ousted professional league giants Muktijoddha were left in the cold with four points following their first defeat in the event.

In the day's first match, surprise pack of the tournament Badda displayed a lively brand of football to outplay fellow Senior Division side Wanderers.

Striker Rana, who set skipper Mintu to head home the opening goal after 26 minutes, doubled the lead in the 50th minute with a placing shot from close.

Wanderers reduced the arrears in the 70th minute when substitute Ashraful nodded in a pinpoint cross by left back and captain Jahangir but two late goals gave Badda the biggest victory of the tournament as well as the group championship.

Nasir picked up a weak clearance by rival goalie Niloy just outside the area and made it 3-1 with a clinical finish five minutes from time while Komol coolly placed the ball into the far corner after taking a square pass from man-of-the-match Rana in injury time.

Abahani, who suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Badda in the tournament opener, were under pressure to win the group finale but Muktijoddha, who needed just one point to join Badda in the last four, went for a draw from the start.

Maybe, this negative attitude resulted in too many fouls early into the crucial game with three Reds players being booked inside the first half hour compared to one from Abahani.

Kanchan was perhaps the luckiest player to play the full 90 minutes as he escaped with a yellow card following an off-the-ball infringement on Abahani midfielder Abul in the first half while his intentional handball after the break was surprisingly ignored by referee Ramkrishna Ghosh.

Muktijoddha, however, got the first real chance when Arman's superb overhead through picked up Alfaz unmarked at the left flank but the veteran striker's first-time volley hit the crossbar much to the relief of a 3,000-strong Abahani fans.

Abahani got the breakthrough one minute before halftime when Ujjal's solo move down the left unsettled the three-man Muktijoddha central defence.

After two efforts to shoot on goal were spoiled by opposition challenge inside the penalty area, Ujjal rolled the ball back towards Zahed whose low left-footed drive from 20 yards gave Aminul no chance at the goal.

Abahani came close to make it 2-0 in the stoppage time but Tipu's curling freekick was brilliantly palmed over the bar by Aminul.

Aminul saved a drop-volley by Tipu while Alfaz shot the ball over in an otherwise dull second half when the sky-blues played the waiting game in a bid to hold onto the slim lead.

It paid off when a sudden burst by Zahed helped Abahani seal the victory in the 77th minute. The diminutive winger, adjudged man-of-the-match, chased a long pass from the midfield and sent a crossfield centre from the right flank for an onrushing Emily to nod the ball into Aminul's left-hand post.

Down and out, Muktijoddha never had the steam to come back from two goals down and avoid a premature exit.

Victoria Win Hearts

Victoria Sporting Club produced a heart winning performance in yesterday's Protiti Pharma Victory Day Club Cup match but that was not enough for Abu Yusuf's inexperienced boys to collect full points against Mohammedan Sporting Club.

Tournament hosts and title contenders Mohammedan not only looked out of touch but also so pathetic at times during the goalless draw that even the scanty crowd at the Bangabandhu National Stadium booed their favourite team.

Mohammedan, however, remained atop Group A with one win and a draw with Arambagh, who edged Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool 1-0 in the day's earlier match, following closely.

Both sides have four points but when they meet in tomorrow's group finale, Mohammedan will have the edge over their B. League neighbours by virtue of a better goal difference.

Victoria, after two draws in as many matches, have a good chance to reach the last four if they can beat fellow Senior Division side Youngmen's tomorrow.

Iddi Badambuze scored the all important goal for Arambagh after seven minutes when the Ugandan striker received a cross from guest midfielder Liton just inside the area and beat the opposition goalkeeper with an angular drive.

Iddi earned a penalty in the 73rd minute when he was tripped by Youngmen's defender Akramuzzaman Liton inside the penalty box but Liton's shot from the spot was saved by Mamun Khan to deny Arambagh a bigger win.

The day's second match began after a one-minute silence was observed to pay tribute to Saifuddin Ahmed Manik, a politician and sports organiser who died yesterday.

Victoria started brightly, stringing neat short passes together to unsettle the rival backline which looked too slow for the speedy youngsters of the only unbeaten side in the ongoing Senior Division League.

After failing to make most of two early freekicks, Turjo got behind the Mohammedan line in the 28th minute but the 17-year-old Victoria striker's low shot was saved by custodian Zia, who neutralised an effort by Arafat a minute later.

The lacklustre black and whites really threatened to score in the 39th minute but Charles Figo, who raced in with a through from Farhad, failed to utilise the rare chance as the Nigerian's low left-footer was palmed out by Mostafa at the Victoria goal.

Mostafa's spectacular save two minutes after the break kept Mohammedan at the bay for the rest of the game when the diving goalkeeper's reflex denied Faisal Mahmud's scorching shot from point blank range.

Mohammedan coach Shafiqul Islam Manik, who fielded six defenders, pushed in an attacking midfielder midway through the second half but the change hardly made any difference.

Polo saw his dipping freekick from 40 yards miss the mark for inches before Mithun squandered a great opportunity for the boys in green in the 76th minute.

The diminutive striker, who has scored six goals in seven Senior Division matches, caught veteran Jewel Rana on the wrong foot to get himself in a scoring position after latching onto a long ball but lost control under pressure from the lone keeper. An onrushing Polo got the loose ball but he was too late to get rid off the covering defenders.

Five minutes later, rightback Mamun fired from long range but fortunately for Mohammedan, the ball went wide of the far post after beating keeper Zia.

Meanwhile, the three-way race in Group B for the semifinal spots intensifies today with giants Abahani and Muktijoddha facing the threat of elimination in the last group match.

A victory by Badda - who upset Abahani 1-0 in the opener - against winless Dhaka Wanderers in the first match would mean bad news for Abahani who will have to beat Muktijoddha to reach the semis later in the day.

Muktijoddha, who lead the group with four points, can afford a draw in any case as Abahani and Badda both have three points.

Giants Back on Track

Abahani and Muktijoddha Sangsad both won to bounce back into contention in the Protiti Pharma Victory Day Club Cup football tournament at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

After a 1-0 shock loss to Badda Jagarani, the B. League champions showed the gulf of difference between them and Dhaka Wanderers with a 3-1 win in the evening after Muktijoddha gave a good account of themselves, beating Badda 2-1 in the day's first match. Muktijoddha played out a goalless draw with Wanderers on Friday.

First half goals from Alfaz Ahmed and Hasan Al Mamun gave Muktijoddha the footing they required after their first match debacle. Alfaz's angular shot from a Parvez Babu left-side delivery gave Muktijoddha their first goal in the 28th minute.

A minute later, wingback Mamun tapped in a simple chance in the six-yard box after Arman Aziz's volley rebounded off a Badda defender and fell close to Mamun. The second half petered on but Badda, the Senior Division team, were threatening to score. In the 87th minute, Milon latched on to a long ball but the crossbar stood between his shot and a second goal in the competition.

Badda's aggression at that late stage paid off in the final minute of injury time when Rana headed in a low cross from Milon.

Abahani, warming up on the eastern side of the ground during the final 15 minutes of the Muktijoddha-Badda match, knew they were in a must-win situation after Muktijoddha's exploits.

It was captain Arif Khan Joy who broke the shackles after a cagey first 15 minutes. But the experienced midfielders' shot flew over the bar.

In the next ten minutes, Abahani showed intent and it transpired into a goal albeit a lucky one. Shahajuddin Tipu probed into Badda's defence but his aimed cross towards Emily struck Anupam Barua's shoulder and went in, beating a wrong-footed goalkeeper Jahangir Alam.

Thirteen minutes later, Zahed Parvez's cross was meant for Tipu but that's when the beauty of the move unravelled. Tipu let it run and Emily slid the ball home from very close range.

Abahani went into cruise mode after Abul Hossain forced a good save from Jahangir. But the Sky Blues were jolted when Ashraful Islam's low volley found the net, in the 50th minute.

Abahani again went on the offensive, and in the 67th minute, it was Emily again who scored. This time, the young striker rounded off two defenders and the goalkeeper to tap in after having collected a cross from Zahed.

Emily missed two more clear-cut opportunities, having taken late decisions to shoot at Badda's post.

It was indeed the trio of Zahed, Tipu and Emily who ruled the Big Bowl on a chilly evening.

Mohammedan Cruise

Mohammedan Sporting Club did not falter like their fellow title contenders when the event hosts cruised to a 2-0 win over Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool in yesterday's Protiti Pharma Victory Day Club Cup football tournament.

Charles Figo and Farhad scored in the first half at the Bangabandhu National Stadium as the black and whites started their campaign on a positive note, after B. League champions Abahani suffered a shock defeat and heavyweights Muktijoddha drew against Dhaka Wanderers, on the opening two days of the competition.

Mohammedan began brightly against their lesser opponents from the Senior Division but it took the local giants about 20 minutes create a hole in the rival defence. Rony picked up Farhad with a low pass from the right but the striker missed a shot on the turn inside the penalty area.

The Mohammedan pressure told in the 26th minute when Nigerian forward Figo headed home a freekick by guest midfielder Monwar, who lobbed a freekick from the right flank.

Faisal Mahmud, a former Mohammedan player who was taken on loan from Brothers Union, wasted two chances from close before Farhad's sublime goal sealed the victory in the 38th minute.

Faisal, taking a pass from Figo at the left wing, had a hand behind the goal as he sent a short pass to Farhad, who turned on his heels just inside the box before unleashing a perfect low drive with his favourite left foot to find the far corner of the net.

The five-man Mohammedan backline, however, showed signs of wearing out towards the break and allowed a free hit to Ali Hossain who failed to keep his volley on target.

After the break, the men in yellow from Fakirerpool began to get behind the Mohammedan backline with almost every move. But lack of experience resulted in wasting at least four good chances within the first 15 minutes.

Arambagh's professional side goalkeeper Shakil, who stood under the Mohammedan bar, was in the right position every time although the rival finishing was not up to the mark.

Shakil, adjudged man-of-the-match, first held a header by Towhid in the 50th minute and pulled off a brilliant save a minute alter when he tipped the ball out for a corner after Youngmen's skipper Baten fired the ball from 30 yards.

Towhid then failed to receive a ball in the goalmouth before Ali Hossain's placing shot on a running ball was blocked by Shakil, who left his post to rescue the black and whites again.

The wake up calls helped Mohammedan regain their composure to dominate the rest of the game.

They should have scored more goals but Figo and Rony both failed to meet a splitting centre by Kamal at the face of the goal before Figo headed wide from close to squander substitute Zahid's hard work.

Two minutes from the final whistle, overlapping centreback Arif came very close to make it 3-0 but his scorching left-footer from the edge of the penalty box rattled the crossbar.

Mohammedan now lead Group A with three points with Victoria and Arambagh following them with one point each.

Giants Held on Day 2

After the opening day's upset Badda victory over Abahani, the second day of the Protiti Pharma Victory Day Club Cup football tournament suffered from a goal drought as both the matches ended in goalless draws.

Lack of match practice and fitness was evident as professional clubs Arambagh Krira Sangha and Muktijoddha Sangsad both suffered against their respective Senior Division sides at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

In the day's first affair, Abu Yusuf's Victoria Sporting Club should have left the ground with a win while Dhaka Wanderers also looked similarly aggressive against Muktijoddha later on in the night.

Both the Senior Division clubs had the edge, mostly due to their in-match rhythm from playing in the ongoing league.

Mithun Chowdhury was at the heart of Victoria attacks and the prolific striker, who has kept his side among the top two in the Senior Division table, created great chances either side of the break.

Mithun picked up Jahurul, whose first-time volley on a superb cross was parried by Arambagh keeper Piru in the 27th minute.

Ten minutes from time, Mithun provided a chance for Turjo whose header was tipped onto the crossbar by Piru before a fellow defender cleared the danger.

After Arambagh, fellow professional club Muktijoddha made a great escape although they had a better start.

After Arman Aziz shot two long-rangers off target, Maruf's solo run brought Kanchan close to score after 22 minutes but the winger's slow reaction allowed Wanderers goalkeeper Jahangir to snatch the ball.

Jahangir then kept out a 30-yarder from Reds captain Arman for a corner to inspire a Wanderers counter attack that put Muktijoddha's Aminul to the test.

Playing for his side after one year following injury, the national goalkeeper gripped an overhead shot well after Wanderers' foreign recruit Lunti, taking a through from Kabir, unleashed a powerful left-footer just inside form the area.

Lunti was again sent racing into the box by a headed through-ball from fellow African Luxal but this time the former shot the ball into the sidenetting after beating Aminul.

Wanderers, who had several guest players in their squad in Brothers' Shuvra, Chittagong Mohammedan's Asif, Farashganj's Kabir and Sheikh Russel's Aminul, should have sealed three points inside the first 15 minutes of the second half but for Luxal's poor marksmanship.

Luxal had the whole Muktijoddha defence at his mercy after a stunning run through the middle but too much dependency on his left foot denied him a shot at goal in the 47th minute.

The forward was within striking distance a minute later when Aminul lost a low cross from Lunti under pressure but the forward failed to take possession to waste a great opportunity.

Luxal was once again picked up by Lunti but he drove a low shot past Aminul and the sidebar on the hour.

The Reds came close to a lucky winner but Kanchan's powerful header on a centre by Rajani rattled the crossbar in the 67th minute. Kanchan should have scored eight minutes from time but his effort during a melee was cleared from the goal line by Wanderers skipper Jahangir Sr, the fullback who also kept the ball out after Maruf pushed the ball on the rebound.

Badda Bite Abahani

B. League champions Abahani got off to a wretched start to the new season when they crashed 1-0 to Senior Division side Badda Jagarani in the opening match of the Protiti Pharma Club Cup football tournament yesterday.

Before a meagre 1,000 spectators, a freezing and dark evening at the Bangabandhu National Stadium turned nightmare for the professionals from Dhanmondi, who failed to make any impact even after conceding an early second half goal.

Two minutes after the break, Badda striker Milon capitalised on a defensive lapse between rival defenders Nazrul and Siraji to sneak inside the box before coolly placing a low left-footer into the near post of Biplab at the Abahani goal.

With a starting line-up featuring ten current and ex-Bangladesh internationals, everyone anticipated a fightback from the sky-blues who otherwise dominated the first half.

But even three changes by coach Amalesh Sen in the last half hour made no impact on Badda's lead.

Badda, among the top five in the ongoing Senior Division League, have suffered two defeats so far but their integrity was much better than the disoriented Abahani booters, who created only a half chance to equalise in the dying moments.

But Abul's header from a melee was brilliantly punched over by goalkeeper Nehal for a corner.

In the first half, Abahani enjoyed superior ball possession but it were their rivals who opened up the first real chance after 18 minutes. But skipper Mintu's sidevolley was off target after Nasir broke down the right.

A low drive by Pranotosh eight minutes later ran wide after beating Badda keeper Nehal, who made a diving save to deny Emily's glancing header on a cross by rightback Siraji on the half hour - the best chance of the game for the local giants.

Abahani's guest attacker Robin then picked up Tipu with a cheeky chip but the veteran, having raced past Nehal, shot the ball onto a defensive wall from a tight angle minutes later.

Abahani came alive in the last five minutes but Tipu's first attempt, a low header on a left-flank cross, missed the far post before the striker was denied by Rashed inside the sic-yard box.

Abahani's hopes to take the lead was dashed again when Emily's long range drive kissed the upper side of the crossbar in the 44th minute.

To ensure a place in the semifinals from the group, Abahani now must beat Dhaka Wanderers in their next match as well as contenders Muktijoddha Sangsad.

Earlier, organiser Mohammedan Sporting Club's efforts to stage a gala opening party for the eight-team meet was spoiled due to inclement weather as the performers carried out their tasks before almost empty stands.

After physical displays and 'circus' shows featuring motorbike rides and masked walkers, young boys who took part in the march, were visibly shaking from the cold.

The colourful folk dance also failed to heat the inhospitable conditions before Mahbub Jamil, special assistant to the Chief Adviser of the Caretaker Government, declared the event open.

Victory Day Cup Fixture List

Eight teams will be divided into 2 groups of four. Mohammedan, Arambagh, Victoria and Youngmen's make up Group A.

Abahani, Muktijoddha, Wanderers and Badda complete Group B.

Here are the fixtures, along with the date and time (BDT):

Jan 30th: Abahani v Badda (6pm)

Jan 31st: Arambagh v Victoria (3pm), Muktijoddha v Wanderers (5pm).

Feb 1st: Mohammedan v Youngmen's 5pm)

Feb 2nd: Muktijoddha v Badda 3pm), Abahani v Wanderers (5pm)

Feb 3rd: Arambagh v Youngmen's (3pm), Mohammedan v Victoria (5pm)

Feb 4th: Badda v Wanderers (3pm), Abahani v Muktijoddha (5pm)

Feb 5th: Victoria v Youngmen's (3pm), Mohammedan v Arambagh (5pm).

Feb 7th: Semi-final 1

Feb 8th: Semi-final 2

Feb 10th: Final

Victory Day Football Starts Today

While their footballers were going through their final preparations at the tiny ground inside the club premises, Mohammedan Sporting Club officials were proudly adding the finishing touch to their efforts to hold the season's first football tournament.

The Protiti Pharma Victory Day Club Cup football tournament, organised by Mohammedan, will begin today with their arch rivals and B. League champions Abahani facing rank outsiders Badda Jagarani in the opener.

Ex-Mohammedan stars including Zakaria Pintoo, who is also the tournament committee chairman, Salam Murshedi, Shafiqul Islam Manik, Kaiser Hamid, Rumman Wali Bin Sabbir, Ayaz, Panir, Titu and Imtiaz Ahmed Nakib were present at a official briefing and signed footballs (picture) that will be gifted to the fans at galleries today.

Although a colourful opening ceremony will start at 4pm at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, the match will kick off two hours later.

Mahbub Jamil, special assistant to the Chief Adviser of the Caretaker Government, who is in charge of the sports ministry, will declare the eight-team meet open.

The tournament, due to be held in December last year, was rescheduled for a January 26 start but had to be deferred again due to inclement weather.

Apart from four professional clubs Abahani, Mohammedan, Muktijoddha and Arambagh, Senior Division sides Victoria, Badda, Wanderers and Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool are competing in two groups.

Private satellite channel ATN Bangla is expected to telecast five matches live - the opener, the group match between giants Abahani and Muktijoddha, the two semifinals on February 7 and 8 and the February 10 final.

Although the three giants suffered from frequent absence of their booters during the month-long training, the minnows have prepared well because of their involvement in the ongoing Senior Division Football League.

The relatively inexperienced booters of Wanderers, Victoria, Fakirerpool and Badda will be under the guidance of veteran coaches like Wajed Gazi, Abu Yusuf, Mohammad Faruq and Maruful Haque who would be eager to use all their guiles to upset the big names.

The Senior Division clubs, however, will face a big problem of playing two tournaments - the League and the Club Cup - simultaneously, which could well see one team playing three matches on consecutive days.

The tournament will also mark two national players' comeback to competitive football after missing an entire season due to injury, centre-back Mohammed Sujan for Abahani and Muktijoddha goalkeeper Aminul Haque, who, however, returned to top-level action last December, playing for Mohammedan as a guest player in a three-match series against Abahani.

With the transfers for the new season coming soon, the tournament could well become a stage for the clubs to look for their future.

It would also give the promising players a chance to impress in key positions in the absence of foreign players with Mohammedan and Muktijoddha each having just one overseas player and Badda two.

Each of the eight clubs get Tk 50,000 as appearance money while co-sponsors Walton and G Hanz will give awards for best spectators, best player, best organiser and best referee.

Gallery tickets will cost Tk 100 (VIP), Tk 30 (west) and Tk 20 (east).

Giants Warmed Up

All eyes will be on the three local heavyweights when the Protiti Pharma Victory Day football tournament kicks off tomorrow at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Mohammedan Sporting Club, organisers of the eight-team event, feel they are under no pressure to keep the trophy home.

Muktijoddha Sangsad, however, want to bag the trophy after a poor 2007 and believe that the Victory Day trophy would be better displayed at the home of the freedom fighters.

For Abahani, inaugural professional league champions last year, it would be a matter of prestige and a mission to establish their supremacy in the new season.

Although there had been no football in the capital for the last six months, the players, however, would not be unprepared as they go for the meet. Numerous tournaments outside Dhaka last year provided the footballers the chance to get tuned even in the off-season.

The clubs, however, never got the chance to train as a unit for long due the booters' frequent absence for the 'khap' or trips to different districts.

Mohammedan coach Shafiqul Islam Manik said their preparation was not 'adequate'.

"Players have been busy for 'khap' but we have taken it lightly for their financial benefit. I wanted them to train together for the past week but the weather did not permit that," said Manik adding that the black and whites were in an inferior position from last year's B. League, where they finished runners-up.

"We have lost the foreign imports who shaped our professional league performance. We were even better during the three-match series against Abahani, which we won. Now several important players are injured," the former national footballer told.

First-choice goalkeeper Himel is injured; his deputy Al Amin has been released for the Senior Division League while Belal and midfielders Mithu and Ripon are also unavailable.

Manik has invited goalies Shakil and Zia, veteran defender Jewel Rana and midfielders Faisal Mahmud and Monwar from Brothers Union and Chittagong Mohammedan's Saikat to feel in the gaps. Nigerian forward Charles Figo is the only foreign recruit.

"Abahani and Muktijoddha are in better shape. Sometimes the hosts have to sacrifice and I feel we are not under pressure to win this. It would be a prestige issue for us as the three teams in our group are in form, having been playing in the Senior Division.

"They are also under good coaches like Abu Yusuf (Victoria) and Mohammad Faruk (Youngmen's) and I feel the group would be competitive."

Abahani manager Satyajit Das Rupu, also irked by the absence of players, said he wanted to have the boys in camp at least for the last week.

"But some of them went to play outside. Anyway, we have been training for one month and every time Abahani start a tournament, they eye nothing but the trophy," said the former midfield international.

The big news for the sky-blues is that defender Sujan will return to action after a yearlong injury.

"Sujan looks okay. But his fitness level will be proved in match condition," said Rupu whose guests are Farashganj striker Robin and Rahamatganj centre-back Sunny.

When asked whether the club would take this tournament to select a few new players for the coming season, Rupu said it was too early.

"Although the footballers are talking about the transfers coming soon, we are really uncertain. Let the federation give us a schedule, then we will see. But we have decided to continue camp till the AFC President's Cup in Nepal in April," added the sky-blues manager.

With Brothers and Sheikh Russel not playing, Muktijoddha have roped in one player each from the big names to strengthen their squad.

The Reds, who will miss injured veterans Moni and Matiur Munna, have added Brothers forward Manju and Russel back Hassan apart from getting back Jony, who was on loan to Chittagong Mohammedan. Arambagh's Iddi Badambuze will be their only foreign recruit.

"The players are in good shape and we have been training for one month. Its true we could not practise as a unit due to players' commitment in district tournaments. But these matches have kept us fit for the last six months as well as giving financial security," said national captain Hassan Al Mamun, who will be deputy to Muktijoddha captain Arman Mia.

"Our coach (Atiqur Rahman) allowed them to go because most of them had taken advances.

"We are serious because this is the Victory Day tournament. It would be great to win it for the freedom fighters," Hassan commented.