Table-topper Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club secured their fourth consecutive victory in the Bangladesh Premier Football League when they defeated Muktijoddha Sangsad 1-0 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday. Sheikh Jamal, who garnered three points courtesy a penalty converted by Haitian hitman Wedson Anselme, continued their winning run in the top flight without two of their marquee players – Haitian Sony Norde and captain Mamunul Islam.
Without the injured duo, Sheikh Jamal were largely insipid throughout the game and only passed the test against a strong Muktijoddha side through a spot-kick.
Emeka Darlington earned the crucial penalty for Sheikh Jamal just a minute after Muktijoddha’s Nigerian marksman Eleta Kingsley missed a penalty.
Muktijoddha suffered their second consecutive defeat as the Reds were unable to trouble Sheikh Jamal’s backline.
The opening stages of the game failed to produce any meaningful opportunity for either side. The tie though sprang to life when Muktijoddha’s Nigerian forward Nkwocha Kingsley was brought down by Sheikh Jamal goalkeeper Ziaur Rahman in the 17th minute.
The referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot.
Kingsley, however, missed the penalty as he hit the woodwork on the second try after his successful first attempt was cancelled due to encroachment in the box by his teammates.
Drama refused to go away as it was Sheikh Jamal’s turn to be awarded with a spot-kick.
Muktijoddha custodian Rasel Mahmud Liton felled Darlington inside the box and Anselme did not make any mistake in putting his side ahead and ensuring the three points.
RESULT
Sheikh Jamal DC 1 (Wedson 22-P) v Muktijoddha Sangsad 0
-With New Age input
