Defending champions Abahani Limited were held by Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra in their opening match of the third edition of the Super Cup and had to be content with a solitary point in the goalless draw at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday.
Having lost against Muktijoddha in the last match of the just-concluded Bangladesh Premier League by 4-1, Abahani did not look like champions and they were unable to impress in the first half as they mustered only two attempts at goal in the first 45 minutes.
Shakhawat Hossain Rony, the main forward of the Sky-Blue outfit, was unavailable due to a groin injury. Enamul Haque got the opportunity at the absence of Rony but failed to justify his inclusion.
Abahani’s attacking duo Towhidul Alam and Abul Baten Mozumder were also unable to assert their authority over the game.
The game was confined mostly in midfield but neither side could translate that into any meaningful attack.
On the other hand, Shafiqul Islam Manik, coach of Muktijoddha was satisfied after managing to hold mighty Abahani to a draw.
Shadedul attempted a long range shot in the 37th minute but it went out to the side post while in the very next minute Komol saw his shot gripped by Muktijoddha goalkeeper Ziaur Rahman.
After the interval, Abahani searched desperately for a goal as they attempted a couple of shots but failed to convert any one.
In the 56th minute, Towhidul turned in a free kick from Arman Aziz but it was disallowed as Komol was standing in an offside position.
Komol received a long ball from Towhid in the 63rd minute and took a shot which missed the target by inches.
Abahani will play their second match against Feni Soccer Club on Sunday while Muktijoddha will face Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra on the same day.
-With New Age input
