Sheikh Russel KC held Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club to a goalless draw in the Grameenphone Bangladesh League encounter at the Birshreshtha Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur yesterday.
A win for any side could have put them on top of the 12-team table along with leaders Abahani but both sides had to be content with their third draw in eight matches and that means both sides are in joint third position with 15 points each, two less than leaders Abahani.
Star-studded Sheikh Jamal enjoyed better ball possession throughout the game and created a few scoring chances but Jamal’s national striking pair Zahid Hasan Emily and Enamul Haque were not up to the mark to give their side a victory. Emily was too late to collect a Mishu cross in stoppage time of the first half while Federation Cup second-highest scorer Enamul was totally anonymous and later was replaced by Komol.
The real scoring chance for Sheikh Jamal came in the second half when winger Zahid Hossain let loose a powerful drive outside the box that forced goalkeeper Mamun to fist it but the ball went to unmarked left-winger winger Shakil Ahmed, who just sent the ball wide in a one-on-one situation. Russel’s goalkeeper Mamun later foiled a side-volley from Zahid to help his side secure a point.
“I am happy with the outcome and the boys executed the strategy of counterattack well,” said Sheikh Russel coach Mahmudul Haq Lition.
However, Sheikh Jamal coach Packeer Ali was not happy with the result.
“The poor finishing from the strikers led to a draw though the boys dominated the game. As most of my players are from the national squad they should have availed the chances they got today,” said Packeer.
