Defending Champions Sheikh Jamal Krira Chakra’s 26-match unbeaten run came to an end when they lost to Abahani Limited 0-2 in their last game of the first leg of the Bangladesh Premier League on Thursday. Wahed Ahmed, the national striker of Abahani struck twice to gave his side a much needed win after the traditional Sky Blue outfit had lost five points in their last two matches against Muktijoddha Sangsad and Farashganj Sporting Club.
The win took Abahani in the second position of the points table with 17 points from nine matches but despite the defeat Jamal remained at the top with 23 points but playing one game more.
Jamal began their unbeaten run after suffering a 0-1 defeat to Brothers Union on June 19, 2014 in the eighth edition of Bangladesh Premier League. But they remained undefeated in their remaining seven games of that season.
Then they took part in the Bhutan’s Kings Cup, where Jamal played five games and were crowned unbeaten champions.
Jamal began the 2015 season in style by winning the curtain raiser tournament, the Federation Cup by winning all five games including the final.
Jamal also remained unbeaten in their first nine games of the league this season until losing to Abahani on Thursday.
In the match, Abahani completely outmaneuvered Jamal with their smooth passing.
Wahed proved his worth by getting the opportunity to play in the starting XI for only the second time in the league and impressed the national coach Lodewijk de Kruif with his scoring ability.
Bar post rescued Jamal in the sixth minute when Nasirul Islam saw his corner from the right flank hit the side post.
Wahed wasted a bright opportunity in the 17th minute as the national striker dribbled past Jamal’s Kesto Kumar after receiving a long pass from Shahed and hit a grounder which was blocked by Jamal keeper Hemel.
Wahed took only three minutes to rectify his mistake by putting Abahani ahead, when the unmarked striker headed home following a low free-kick of Shahed.
Abahani keeper Ziaur Rahman produced a stunning save in the 56th minute to deny Landing Derboe’s header following a curling cross from Rayhan Hasan.
Wahed doubled the lead just two minutes later receiving a cross from Komol. Wahed received the ball with his right foot before sending the ball home past Jamal keeper with his left foot.
Jamal were reduced to 10 men in the 68th minute when Nigerian striker Emeka Darlington lost his cool before hitting his compatriot Obom Henry of Abahani off the ball that forced referee Jashimuddin to show him the marching order.
Abahani’s Austrian coach George Kottan was happy to see his side back to winning ways.
‘We dominated the game from the beginning as my players really played well,’ said the veteran coach.
‘Wahed was our hero and I’m happy with the performance of Osei Morrison for the first time.
‘The win will help my side to get some extra confident before facing Mohammedan in the last match,’ the coach said.
Meanwhile, Jamal coach Maruful haque blamed the complacency of his players for the defeat.
‘It was a disappointing match and I think the players took the match lightly since we were already in the top position,’ said Maruf.
‘But I am not so much concerned as I will get enough time to work with the errors what we did in this match,’ he said.
Abahani will play their last match of the first round against their arch-rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club on May 19.
-With New Age input
