Treble winners Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra moved one step closer to history after outclassing Brothers Union 2-0 in the first semi-final of the Super Cup at
the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday.
In search of an unique quadruple, Russell drew first blood as early as the fourth minute when national striker Zahid Hasan Ameli’s right-footed effort from winger Nahidul Islam from the left flank hit the back of the net.
Stung by the early goal, Brothers came close to an equalising goal in the 25th minute but young striker Jewel Rana’s left-footed shot was saved by Russell goalkeeper Biplob Bhattacharjee.
Russell though dealt another blow to Brothers’ hope of securing an unlikely final place as Ameli struck again in the 29th minute.
Brothers defender Ashraful Karim failed to clear a lob by forward Mithun Chowdhury and it fell kindly to Ameli who headed home cleverly past Brothers custodian Sujon Chowdhury.
Russell came close to another goal soon after they doubled their lead but winger Zahid Hossain squandered the opportunity as his shot was blocked by the Brothers goalie.
Brothers refused to bow down to consistent pressure by the opposition as they registered another effort in the 41st minute. However, Russell’s captain-cum-goalkeeper Biplob again thwarted striker Jewel’s shot from the edge of the box.
Brothers defender Ashraful saved his side from conceding another goal in first half injury time when Russell winger Mithun took a shot from the left corner of the box but Ashraful cleared from the goalline.
Ameli then came close to a hat-trick in the 65th minute but his spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Brothers goalie Sujon. Ashraful handled a ball from a Zahid cross from the right wing and referee Mizanur Rahman had no hesitation in pointing to the spot but Ameli failed to convert the penalty.
Brothers, the Gopibagh-based outfit, got one final chance to grab a consolation goal in the 82nd minute but Biplob again came to the rescue as he dived to his left to palm away a shot by Brothers forward Komol Islam.
Russell, who are currently on an unbeaten run of 15 matches, will find out their final opponents today when Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited lock horns with Muktijoddha Sangsad.
Russell coach Maruful Haque was not content with the scoreline as his side grassed several opportunities.
‘I am not satisfied with the performance. Our experienced unit played immaturely and they seemed relaxed after a two-goal lead,’ said Maruful.
Maruful’s counterpart at Brothers, Mahidur Rahman Miraz expressed his happiness with his side’s showing, who coincidentally also went out in the semi-final stage in the inaugural edition of the cash-rich event four years ago.
‘The lads played accordingly and created a good number of scoring chances but they could not take advantage. Even then I am happy with the way we played throughout the tournament,’ said Miraz.
-With New Age input
