Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra emerged as the runners-up of the Bangladesh Premier League after their thumping 4-0 win over Rahmatganj MFS in their final game of the league at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Sunday.
The other match of the day between arch-rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club and Abahani Limited ended in a goalless draw at the same venue.Cameroonian forward Paul Emile was the architect behind the victory of 2012-13 treble winners by scoring his maiden hat-trick of the league while skipper Mithun Chowdhury bagged the other goal.
With the result, Russell finished their campaign with 42 points from 20 matches, six points behind of holders Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, who played one match less.
Rahmatganj, on the other hand, ended their journey in the 10th position of the points table with 14 points.
For Russell they had to wait till the 41st minute to break the deadlock as Mithun entered into the left of the penalty area before slotting home past Rahmatganj keeper Al-Amin.
Emile began his goal fest in the 57th minute when the Cameroonian headed home following a corner of substitute winger Zahid Hossain.
Emile made it 3-0 five minutes later with another header from the middle of the box following a cross of Mithun from the left flank.
The Cameroonian completed his hat-trick and scored his 10th goal of the league in the 70th minute with a screamer inside the box off a Mithun cutback.
With Russell securing the runners-up spot in the day’s opening game, the match between Mohammedan and Abahani became only an academic affair.
Both the clubs failed to delight the crowd by playing lifeless football.
The result means, both sides now have chance to the finish the league in third position.
But Mohammedan seems to have a slight upper hand as they have already earned 38 points from their slotted 20 outings.
Meanwhile, Abahani who have 35 points with one match in hand, will have to play their last game against holders Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club on August 20.
-With New Age input
