Both Dhaka and Kolkata Mohammedans began their Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup campaigns on a losing note at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong on Wednesday.
Dhaka Mohammedan went down to Afghan club De Spin Ghar Bazan by a solitary goal while the Kolkata giants were stunned by Solid FC of Sri Lanka by 2-1 in the first match of the day.Mohammedan’s Nigerian defender Michel made a bad mistake in the 33rd minute that paved the way for Bazan to score the only goal of the match.
Michel’s made a poor clearance outside the box and Bazan forward Anowar Akbari sent the ball home past Mohammedan keeper Ashraful Islam Rana.
After going a goal down, the local club did everything for the equaliser. But all their efforts were in vain.
Mohammedan missed the services of national team winger Jewel Rana, who was suffering from fever, and his replacement, Mobarak Hossain, put in a fine performance throughout the match.
Mohammad Ibrahim wasted a great opportunity to give Mohammedan the lead in the 12th minute, when the hired forward’s close range header off an Arub Baidya’s cross went over the bar despite an empty net.
Mohammedan keeper Rana made a stunning save in the 31st minute when he cleared a long ball with his leg.
Anowar scored the goal two minutes later.
Mobarak Hossain tried his luck with a 30-yard out effort in the 42nd minute that slipped Afghan keeper’s hand before rolling wide of the side post.
Mohammedan earned an indirect free-kick just inside the box but Afghan midfielder Mohammed Hashemi rescued his side with a goal-line clearance in the 61st minute after Mintu Sheikh saw his neat free-kick was denied by Hashemi from the sideline.
Substitute forward Abdul Malek initiated a superb cross from the right-flank in the 75th minute but forward Nabib Newaj Jibon saw his header from close-range went inches wide.
In the day’s first match, Solid FC of Sri Lanka came from the behind to register a 2-1 win over Kolkata champions Mohammedan Sporting.
Kolakata Mohammedan went ahead in the 38th minute through Nigerian forward Taurus.
Solid FC built up their game in the second half and took only two minutes to level the margin with a solo effort from their African forward Shola.
The Sri Lankan outfit sealed the victory just three minute before the stipulated time when unmarked Punarban sent the ball home with a close-range effort.
-With New Age input
