Mohammedan SC increased their confidence level ahead of their match against arch-rivals Abahani Limited on Monday after a resounding 5-2 win over Rahamatganj MFS in the Federation Cup on Saturday at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
In the second match of the day at the same venue, Feni Soccer Club confirmed their quarterfinal spot courtesy a 3-2 win over Uttar Baridhara.
Skipper Zahid Hasan Ameli celebrated his return to Mohammedan by netting his third hat-trick for the Black and White outfit, and first since 2009, while national winger Zahid Hossain shone brightly with a goal and a couple of assists.
Rahamatganj on the other hand were ruled out from the season’s curtain-raiser after two consecutive defeats, their previous loss coming against Abahani three days ago.
Zahid Hossain was at the centre of controversy before the season got underway as Mohammedan signed him only after a mutual understanding with Sheikh Russell KC.
The Motijheel-based club’s desperation was vindicated as the national winger scored the opening goal and created a number of golden opportunities in his first competitive match of the season.
Zahid put Mohammedan ahead in the 23rd minute when he whipped in a free-kick from 25 yards which deflected off the top of the Rahamatganj wall and into the back of the net.
Ameli scored his first goal in the 34th minute when one of his attempted crosses from the left flank eluded Rahmatganj goalkeeper Samiul to make it 2-0.
Mohammedan registered their third goal in the 55th minute when Ameli converted from the spot after Zahid was brought down in the box by Samiul.
Rahamatganj midfielder Nurul Absar reduced the margin in the 78th minute by scoring from the box after Mohammedan defender Ariful failed to clear the ball.
Ameli though made the tie safe for his side when he completed his hat-trick with a perfect header from a Zahid cross from the right flank in the 87th minute to make it 4-1.
In the last minute of regulation time substitute striker Wahed Ahmed joined in the goalfest with a fine header from an Ameli assist.
Nurul added a second goal for Rahamatganj from a penalty in injury time to make it 5-2.
Meanwhile in the day’s other match, Feni Soccer Club confirmed their quarterfinal berth with a game in hand after a thrilling 3-2 win over Uttar Baridhara.
Soccer Club striker Ali Hasan notched a brace with Benin’s Oladikpikpo Wassiou Okalawon scoring the other goal while Uttar Baridhara’s Indian forward Faiz Alam and Abul Kalam Azad scored a goal each.
-With New Age input
