Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited ensured their third successive Super Cup final appearance after overcoming Muktijoddha Sangsad KC 2-0 in the second
semi-final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Saturday.
Mohammedan will face treble winners Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra in the final on Tuesday.
The Motijheel-based outfit, who also reached the final of the cash-rich event in the previous two editions, sealed their final date as Wahed Ahmed and Mobarak Hossain combined together to inspire Mohammedan after a hard-fought game.
The first meaningful opportunity in the knockout clash belonged to Mohammedan. The black-and-white outfit were awarded a free-kick in the 13th minute which was taken by Mahbubur Rahman Shohag.
Shohag’s set-piece rolled past the wall and landed at the feet of Mohammedan skipper Rajani Kanta Barman but he could not capitalise after losing his balance.
Mohammedan once again came close to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute when midfielder Mezbabul Haque Manik tried his luck with a dipping shot from 20 yards out but his effort narrowly missed the target.
Muktijoddha, on the other hand, registered their opening chance in the 33rd minute when midfielder Shamol Ahmed Rony, who was unmarked, failed to connect his headed effort from a Faisal Mahmud corner.
Right before the half-time whistle, Muktijoddha’s Mohammad Biplob availed a defensive fumble by the Mohammedan backline but his hurried attempt went straight at the goalkeeper.
Mohammedan though went ahead just before the interval. Mobarak advanced into the box from the right, outfoxed Prodip Barua before releasing an inch-perfect cross for Wahed, who headed in to give Mohammedan the lead.
In the 61st minute, it was Wahed’s turn to return the favour. He released a through pass for winger Mobarak on the right side of the box and as Muktijoddha custodian Zia was slightly out of position, Mobarak chipped the ball perfectly to double his side’s lead.
Mohammedan coach Saiful Bari Titu praised their semi-final opponents and disclosed that they rested five players ahead of the crucial tie.
‘Keeping the final in mind, I decided to rest five players who all played four matches on the trot in a few days. I had to give them rest as Sheikh Russell have won three titles and they are a very good side,’ said Titu.
Titu’s counterpart at Muktijoddha, Shafiqul Islam Manik was on the contrary enraged after the first goal.
‘We are to blame for our demise. The turning point of the game was no doubt the first goal that we conceded for which [Rokonuzzaman] Kanchan is to blame,’ said a furious Manik.
RESULT
Mohammedan 2 ( Wahed 45, Mobarrak 61) v Muktijoddha 0
-With New Age input
