Forward Mehedi Hasan Tapu struck a stoppage time winner as Team BJMC beat Muktijoddha Sangshad Krira Chakra 1-0 to reach the semi-finals of the Federation Cup in the last quarter-final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Monday. Tapu, who scored a brace in BJMC’s shock win over Mohammedan Sporting Club in their last group match, was again played the decisive role against Muktijoddha by scoring from a fine header.
Mobarak Hossain Bhuiyan and Kolo Musa created some chances for Muktijoddha but lack of finishing touch cost them in the game.
Muktijjoddha’s first real chance came in the 10th minute when Mobarak Hossain Bhuiyan saw his side-volley from the top of box following a back-pass from Kolo Musa was saved by BJMC keeper Arifuzzaman Himel.
Muktijoddha keeper Mamun Khan produced a brilliant save in the 15th minute to deny a powerful strike from midfielder Shankar Das from 25-yard out.
Nigerian midfielder Simon Ezeodika wasted a great chance at the hour mark when his compatriot Kolo Musa set the ball in front of Simon, who failed to meet the cross properly.
BJMC could take the lead in the 82nd minute when Nigerian midfielder Samson Iliasu’s shot from the middle of the box was saved by Mamun Khan following a neat cross of Shaikat Mahmud from the right flank.
Tapu became the hero for BJMC once again when he headed the ball home following a corner of Abdullah Al Parvez to seal the victory in the last minute of the three-minute stoppage time.
With the win, BJMC will take on giant killers Arambagh Krira Shangha, who stunned Sheikh Jamal DC in the first quarter-final, in the first semi-final on Thursday.
In the second semi-final Abahani Limited will take on Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra, a day later.
-With New Age input
