Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club’s Nigerian marksman Darlington Emeka continued his scoring run with a hat-trick on Wednesday, giving his side a 4-1 victory over Brothers Union.
After a 3-1 victory over Chittagong Abahani in their first match, Sheikh Jamal produced another stellar display in their second match of the Bangladesh Premier League season.
Like the first match, Sheikh Jamal coach Joseph Afusi rested his main attacking option, Haitian Sony Norde.
Sheikh Jamal’ strikers put pressure on the Brothers defence throughout the match, while skipper Mamunul Islam, Shohel Rana and Okemmiri did a good job distributing the ball to their attackers.
Darlington opened his account in the 18th minute when he tapped in a low cross from compatriot Okemmiri from the right flank.
Brothers replied in the 29th minute, when Ghanaian Issah Yousuf converted a penalty after Nigerian midfielder Nche Francis was brought down by Raihan in the box.
Darlington again put his team ahead in the 33rd minute, dribbling past two defenders and rounding the keeper before sending the ball home from a tricky angle after Sohel Rana’s cross found him inside the box.
Darlington completed his hat-trick just two minutes later with a header off Haitian teammate Wedson’s volley.
Wedson joined the goal-fest in the 81st minute, powering the ball past the keeper.
Afusi was happy with the effort of his players and was pleased to see his side play well without main weapon Norde.
‘In the Federation [Cup], except for Sony the other strikers didn’t get goals, which made me unhappy. But even at that time Darlington and Wedson proved that they also have the potential to score for the team,’ said Afusi.
‘Sony is all but ready to take the field, but I won’t take any risks with him because the league is very long.’
Brothers coach Syeed Naeem Uddin admitted said that his side failed to stop a strong Sheikh Jamal side.
‘I have nothing to say because we played poor football. We failed to utilise some chances and our defence also failed to stop the opposing attackers,’ he said.
Abahani Limited will face Feni Soccer Club in their second league match today.
-With New Age input
