Holders Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra returned to winning form after an upset defeat at the hands of Brothers Union in their previous match, beating Feni Soccer Club 2-0 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Thursday. Late goals from Shakil Ahmed and Moroccan forward Youness Roux gave all three points to Sheikh Russell, putting them in second in the league after four matches.
Last season’s treble winners Sheikh Russell controlled the game from beginning, but their attackers struggled to break the Feni’s defence.
Feni’s Gambian coach Omar Cisse was nearly successful in his plan to hold the opposition, but Sheikh Russell finally got the all-important breakthrough in the 78th minute, when Shakil headed in Mithun’s cross from the right flank.
Youness doubled the margin one minute before the final whistle, finishing after another cross from Mithun.
Youness had earlier failed to give his side the lead in the 25th minute, when his shot following a through ball from Jamaican midfielder Ricardo Cousins was cleared by Feni keeper Masud Ahmed Uzzal.
Youness squandered another chance in the 39th minute, when he received a square pass inside the box from Mithun but shot over the crossbar.
After the victory, Sheikh Russell coach Maruful Islam said that it was tough for his team to play against sides that employ such defensive tactics.
`It was not an easy job for our players because [Feni] played fully defensive football. Most of the time, around nine players were defending our attackers,’ said Maruf.
`But we had confidence that our attackers would break the deadlock and finally they did the job.’
On the other hand, Cisse was disappointed with the performance of his defenders.
`It was a disappointing result for us as our defenders failed to hold the defence,’ said Cisse.
RESULT
Feni Soccer Club 0 v
Sheikh Russell KC 2
(Shakil 78, Youness 89)
-With New Age input
