Newly-elect champions Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra finished their dream run in the Bangladesh Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Feni Soccer Club at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Tuesday.
Nigerian striker Bukola Olalekan registered his first goal of the league campaign while local forward Zahid Hasan Emily attained his sixth goal to ensure a befitting finale as Sharan Hawlader’s goal for Soccer Club proved to be nothing other than a mere consolation.
With the win, Russell ended their participation in the top flight at the top of the standings with 38 points from 16 matches while Soccer Club remained in their previous position of seventh with 12 points from the same number of matches.
Haitian playmaker Sony Norde provided both the final passes for goalscorers Bukola and Emily.
Norde has been the most outstanding player for Russell as they confirmed the treble (Federation Cup, Independence Cup, BPL) this season but his ending proved to be a little tragic when he was sent off by the referee for brawling with an opposition player in the last moments of the match.
Bukola put his team ahead in the 16th minute with a side heel effort from the middle of the box to beat Soccer Club goalkeeper Abdul Kader after a fine, low cross from the left flank by Norde.
Bukola, who passed an ordinary season with Russell, obtained an opportunity to double their lead in the 33th minute but his powerful shot went over the bar.
In the 37 minute, Soccer Club midfielder Alauddin saw his side volley shot miss the side post by a whisker.
After the break, Emily doubled the scoreline in the 65th minute with a placing shot after an assist by Norde.
In the 67th minute, Sharan reduced the margin for Soccer Club with a long range shot.
`I asked the players to dream about the treble before the season started. As the season has ended and our dream has been realized, I thank the players and also the officials, who have backed me throughout the season,’ said a satisfied Maruful Haque, coach of Sheikh Russell.
RESULT
Sk Russell KC 2 (Bukola 14, Ameli 67) v Feni Soccer Club 1 (Shahran 78)
-With New Age input
