Defending champions Dhaka Mohamme-dan Sporting Club hit a new low as they failed to make the semi-finals of the Federation Cup for the first time after drawing 1-1 with Feni Soccer at the Kamalapur stadium on Saturday.
Earlier in the day’s first match, Muktijoddha’s Sudanese forward James Saeed Moga continued his scoring spree hitting a brace in a 3-0 demolition of Brothers Union. With this win Muktijoddha moved into the final four as group champions and they will meet Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in Tuesday’s second semi-final. Brothers Union will face Dhaka Abahani in the first semi-final on Monday.
Dhaka Mohammedan have reached the semi-finals of the last 21 editions of the Federation Cup, winning the curtain raiser tournament 10 times and finishing runners-up four times. But this season with a weakened team they crashed out of the tournament from the group stage having earned three points from their three matches to finish third in the group.
In fact the traditional Black and White were fortunate to avoid a defeat. Feni Soccer forward Bulbul put his team ahead in the 37th minute tapping home a Nayan cross from the edge of the six-yard box. Mohammedan never threatened their opposition in the first half.
Mohammedan, who could not play their two Rwandan footballers due to the international clearance complicacies, came back strong after the break but Feni Soccer defence stood firm to keep their opponents at bay.
However, their defensive approach allowed Mohammedan to increase the pressure and they earned a penalty in the 51st minute after Anwar was fouled by Feni defender Alauddin inside the box but Emeka Christian, the Nigerian forward, saw his spot-kick punched away by Feni goalie Piru.
Mohammedan were indebted to national U-16 midfielder Sohel Rana who restored parity four minutes from the stipulated time. Set up by Sharif the youngster curled a left-footer into the top corner from 20 yards much to the relief of the Mohammedan supporters.
Muktijoddha v Brothers Union
Brothers Union, who rested eight first-choice players for the match, failed to match their opponents’ prowess and were outplayed in every department. However, it seemed that Brothers were looking to face Dhaka Abahani in the semi-finals as the group runners-up and it was evident when the Brothers officials revealed they were least bothered about the defeat. Brothers left out Brazilian playmaker Everton, skipper Faisal Mahmood, Cameroonian forward Bitcha Richards, Nigerian striker Ennock Bentil and midfielder Didar who are their most reliable players.
Muktijoddha, on the other hand, were determined to stamp their authority and Sudanese forward James Saeed Moga produced another superb performance. Moga, however, missed a couple of chances in the initial minutes but found the scoring touch in due time.
Moga failed to tap home from close range on two occasions in the 11th and 27th minutes and his strike partner Mithun Chowdhury provided both the crosses.
However, Moga made amends for his failure in the 32nd minute, converting a penalty after Titu’s shot hit the forearm of Brothers defender Nahidul Islam.
Just two minutes later Moga sealed the fate of the match. After receiving a through pass from Bukola the Sudanese striker shrugged off the challenge of two defenders and slipped the ball between the legs of Brothers goalie Mitul Hasan. With the brace Moga took his tally to eight in five matches.
Forward Mithun made it 3-0 in the 70th minute, after a one-two with midfielder Nasir Mithun got past the defence and toe-pocked the ball into the far post. Muktijoddha’s win threw traditional crowd-pullers Dhaka Mohammedan out of the tournament making their match against Feni Soccer a mere formality.
