Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra began their quest for an unprecedented quadruple as they made a winning start in the third edition of the Super Cup, edging past
Feni Soccer Club 2-0 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday.
After a barren first half, Russell took the lead in the 49th minute, courtesy of a scrambled effort from Nahidul Islam before Zahid Hossain doubled the margin in the 75th minute with a long-range shot.
Despite winning the match by a clear margin, Sheikh Russell failed to impress as they lacked the cutting edge without their foreign players with the Super Cup being an all-local affair.
However, national winger Zahid and his strike partner Zahid Hasan Ameli impressed with their skilful play, with national team Dutch coaches Lodewijk de Kruif and Rene Koster watching the proceedings closely.
Zahid came into this match after recovering from an ankle injury while Ameli took the field putting behind the dreadful memory of premature death of his new-born child recently.
On the other hand, Feni Soccer had to spend most of their time defending Russell’s attacks and they kept the scoreline 0-0 at the break. They also created some chances but could not capitalise on any of them.
Zahid’s powerful header in the 19th minute following a corner from Mithun was cleared off the goal-line by Feni defender Alauddin.
Ameli almost smashed the opening goal in the 30th minute but his right-footed attempt was blocked by Feni midfielder Rony Islam.
Feni got a golden chance in the 34th minute when Ali Hasan provided a cut-back to Ridon but his shot from inside the box went just wide.
Ameli had another attempt at goal in the 41st minute when he received the ball on the edge of the box, turned around and took a left footed angular shot only to be denied by the Feni keeper.
Russell went ahead after the resumption when Nahid provided a low cross from the right flank, which deflected off the foot of Feni’s defender Shimul and into the net. But the referee credited Nahid with the goal.
Zahid then doubled the lead in the 75th minute with a long-range effort. Receiving the ball 35 yards out, Zahid unleashed a right-footed grounder that beat the Feni goalkeeper.
Russell coach Maruful Haque, however, was happy with the result but not satisfied with the performance as he said he could not find the right combination without his crucial foreign recruits.
Zahid, the best performer, said they were not concerned with the performance of the day, they are rather looking forward to a victory against Muktijoddha, which will confirm their semi-final berth.
-With New Age input
