Ghanaian marksman Osie Morrison helped Abahani Limited to a winning start in the Bangladesh Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Brothers Union at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Wednesday. Four-time league winners Abahani were lucky to come out with the win, as Brothers Union attackers missed a series of clear-cut chances throughout the game. Abahani are still struggling to get organised as a team under the new Iranian coach Ali Akbar, who took charge just a few days ago after a gloomy performance in the Federation Cup.
‘Bad start with a good result’ said Akbar, ‘players need more communication between them and I have to work with that.’
On the other hand Gopibagh-based Brothers Union did all the right things to put pressure on their opponents except actually score, which disappointed their Indian coach Syed Nayeem Uddin.
‘We lost the game due to bad luck and a lack of inexperience of the players. Our boys played well, but due to hurriedness they missed some golden opportunities, which cost the team,’ said the veteran coach.
Abahani missed a golden opportunity on 45 minutes when Brothers keeper Sabuj Das Rogu dived to his right to save a close-range shot from Morrison following a corner from Brazilian De Souza.
Morrison finally opened the scoring in the 49th minute with a right-footed volley from the inside the box, which went past keeper Roghu after midfielder Nche Francis failed to clear a Towhidul cross from the left flank.
After the restart, Brothers went all-out to equalise but failed to capitalise on their several attempts.
Jewel Rana delivered a brilliant through pass for Rubel Miah in the 79th minute as the substitute striker broke into the penalty area, dribbled past onrushing Abahani keeper Shahidul Islam Sohel and took a shot but he saw his attempt brilliantly cleared by Waly Faisal at the near post.
Just seconds before the final whistle, Rubel’s shot was blocked by Sohel. Kester received the rebound and passed it to an unmarked Abdul Malek, whose shot was cleared off the line by Meshu.
RESULT
Abahani Ltd 1
(Morrison 48) v
Brothers Union 0
-With New Age input
