On-loan striker Jewel Rana powered Brothers Union to a 2-1 victory over
Team BJMC in the third edition of the cash-rich Super
Cup at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Monday.
Jewel, the young striker who featured for Wari Club in the recently concluded Bangladesh Championship League, scored twice to ensure a much needed victory for Brothers.
Brothers gathered a crucial point in their opening match against Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club courtesy of a 1-1 draw and Jewel had orchestrated a vital role as he bagged the all-important goal for his side. Jewel is now the leading scorer of the Super Cup with three goals.
On the other hand, BJMC’s chances of securing a semi-final place evaporated with two consecutive defeats against Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited and Brothers.
Although BJMC played well in parts against Brothers, the services team failed to notch a crucial victory which would have kept alive their last four hope.
Brothers went ahead in the 14th minute when Yousuf Sifat produced a cross from the left flank, Jewel posted a diving header past BJMC goalkeeper Aminul Haque.
Sujan Chowdhury, the on-loan custodian of Brothers saved his side from certain trouble in the 24th minute when Mehedi Hasan Tapu side-volleyed a Ali Akbar Kanon cross but was denied by the despairing save from goalie Sujan.
BJMC reduced the margin in the 41st minute when Kanon delivered a cross from the right flank, Didarul Alam headed it to the path of Toklis Ahmed and the national striker made no mistake to send the ball to the back of the net.
After the interval, both sides increased their tempo in search of the winning goal and possession was divided in equal terms.
However, Jewel had other ideas as the match was heading towards a draw. Eight minutes before the final whistle, Jewel played a neat one-two with Rubel Miah as they advanced into the box before Rubel took a shot at goal, which came out of the keeper’s grip. Unmarked Rana, standing right in front of goal, applied the finishing touch to make it 2-1.
With four points from two matches, Brothers are all but through to the semi-final and will take on Mohammedan in their last group game on Wednesday while BJMC, who are yet to open their account, will clash with Jamal on the same day.
-With New Age input
