Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club’s foreign trio shone again as the reigning Bangladesh Premier League champions sealed their place in the semi-finals of the Independence Cup with a 3-1 win over Muktijoddha Sangshad Krira Chakra on Tuesday. Nigerian Emeka Darlington, Gambian Landing Darboe and Haitian Wedson Anselme netted one goal apiece in the opening half to ensure Jamal’s fourth successive win of the tournament before Mobarak Hossain Bhuiyan pulled one goal back from the penalty spot in the second half for Muktijoddha.
With the win, the Dhanmondi-based outfit have now 12 points from four matches while Muktijoddha’s hopes for a last four place were faded as they concluded the group stage with nine points.
Muktijoddha’s fate now depends on the results of other teams of Group A. If Chittagong Abahani and Mohammedan, who have respectively nine and six points to their accounts, lose their remaining matches than Muktijoddha have a chance to qualify alongwith Jamal.
Emeka took only 13 minutes to give Jamal the deserving lead when he tapped home in an off-target shot of Wedson after left-back Anisur Alam Sweet provided the Haitian forward a superb cross.
Muktijoddha keeper Mamun Khan produced a brilliant save in the 43rd minute to deny a fine effort of Wedson but he failed to restrict Landing to celebrate his goal just a minute later.
Landing made no mistake to send the ball home after receiving a through pass from Wedson, who made the margin 3-0 with a powerful strike from the top of the box in the injury time of first half.
Muktijoddha pulled one goal back just four minutes into the second half when Mobarak converted from the spot after Jamal keeper Mazharul Islam Himel committed a foul to Muktijoddha forward Towhidul Alam inside the box.
RESULTS
Sheikh Jamal DC 3 (Emeka 13, Landing 44, Wedson 45+) v Muktijoddha Sangsah 1 (Mobarak 49)
-With New Age input
