UNB NEWS : 13 FEBRUARY, 2024, 8:33 PM
A brace by Nigerian medio Emmanuel Sunday guided holders Dhaka Mohammedan SC to reach the quarterfinal of the 35th Federation Cup Football as the unbeaten champions of Group B beating their old rivals Dhaka Abahani Ltd by 2-1 goals at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj on Tuesday afternoon.
This was another creditable victory for Dhaka Mohammedan SC in the season after beating the BPL champions and star studded Bashundhara Kings in the premier league match very recently
In the day’s last group match, coming from behind, traditional black and white Mohammedan SC smartly qualified for the knockout stage of the meet with an all-win record, securing nine full points from three straight matches.
Despite the day’s maiden defeat in the meet, Dhaka Abahani Ltd also moved into the quarterfinal as Group B runners-up, securing six points from three group encounters.
In the day’s match, St Vincent forward Cornelius scored first for the popular sky-blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani in the 39th minute with a brilliant placing shot to lead the first half by 1-0.
But, two quick goals by Nigerian midfielder Emmanuel Sunday in the span of only four minutes (51st and 55th minutes) changed the entire scenario of the match and made an easy passage for Mohammedan’s victory.
Emmanuel levelled the Mohammedan margin also by a placing shot, utilising a pass from Uzbek booter Muzzafforov (1-1).
He again scored the match-winner for Mohammedan SC in the 55th minute, pushing the ball home from close off a back header from his teammate (2-1).
Later, Emmanuel was adjudged the best player of the match.
Mohammedan SC earned a deserving victory in the day’s match, especially playing a good brand of football in the second half.
In the remaining Group B match, Chittagong Abahani Ltd tasted their first victory in their third and last match, beating Brothers Union Club by 3-0 goals at the Bir Shreshtha Fl Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj on Tuesday afternoon.
Both teams have already been eliminated from the race with three and zero points after playing all three matches.
