bangladesh league - Dhaka Mirror

Muktis hit transfer market with buzz

Admin — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:27:20 +0000

Perennial giants Muktijoddha Sangsad KC registered eight current national team players in a bid to lift the Bangladesh League title as they completed their player transfer formalities as the fourth team on Thursday.
The reigning Bangladesh League runners-up registered a total of 20 players – 19 local players and Nigerian Paul Emmanuel Dammi, who was the only foreigner to get registered on the day.
The national team players who signed for Muktijoddha are strikers Zahid Hasan Ameli and Mithun Chowdhury, midfielders Shakil Ahmed, Mamunul Islam and Alamgir Kabir Rana, defenders Ariful Islam and Rezaul Karim Reza and goalkeeper Mamun Khan.
Of them, Ameli, Shakil, Mamun, Arif and Raza came from Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club while Mamun joined from Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra.
The rest 14 players represented Muktijoddha in last yeas’s league as well. The club suffered a shock at the end of the previous season when six of their prominent players – Biplob Bhattacharjee, Rajani Kanta Barman,
Arman Aziz, Motiur Munna, Zahed Parvez Chowdhury and Mohammed Nehal – left the team.
But the club’s recently appointed coach Shafiqul Islam Manik said the inclusion of six new players from the national squad made his team even better.
‘We are a good side now and are capable of fighting for championship in any local tournament,’ said Manik, who joined Muktijoddha on Tuesday from his previous side Mohammedan Sporting Club.
Muktijoddha Sangsad’s central command council secretary general Emdad Hossain Matin handed over the player registration forms to the Bangladesh Football Federation’s professional league committee chairman Abdus Salam Murshedi at the BFF Bhaban to complete the registration.
Squad: Mamun Khan, Mamunul Islam, Ariful Islam, Shakil Ahmed, Rezaul Karim, Zahid Hasan Ameli, Maruf Ahmed, Mithun Chowdhury, Mozammel Hossain Saikat, Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, Maksudur Rahman Mostaq, Jahirul Islam, Anisur Alam Sweet, Obaidur Rahman, Rokonuzzaman Kanchan, Firoz Mahmud Titu, Alamgir Kabir Rana, Rajon Miah, Ajmal Hossain Biddyut and Paul Emmanuel Dammi.

-With New Age input

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More questions than answers

Admin — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 06:24:13 +0000

League committee ends investigation into match-fixing scandal
RECOMMENDATIONS
o Taka 20 lakh fine for Jamal
o Taka 5 lakh fine for Rahmatganj
o Two-year suspension for Rahmatganj goalkeeper Iran Sheikh
o Three-year suspension of Rahmatganj official Salahuddin Kala
o Two-month suspension for Muktijoddha coach Maruful Haque
The professional league committee of the Bangladesh Football Federation recommended a huge fine for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and Rahmatganj MFS for playing a fixed match during the recently-concluded Bangladesh League.
The recommendations were made public by the league committee at a press conference on Saturday, raising more questions than giving any answer to the allegation that they still could not prove.
The recommendations include imposition of Tk 20 lakh fine on Jamal, Tk 5 lakh on Rahmatganj, two-year suspension of Rahmatganj goalkeeper Iran Sheikh, three-year suspension of Rahmatganj official Salahuddin Kala and two-month suspension of Muktijoddha coach Maruful Haque.
The committee did not recommend the deduction of any points of Jamal despite finding them guilty of match-fixing, which put their entire investigation under serious question.
Jamal came back from two goals down to beat Rahmatganj 5-2 in the second leg of the league to win three points that eventually helped them clinch the league title in their debut season.
‘The body language of the goalkeeper and the striker suggested there was something wrong in the game,’ league committee chairman Abdus Salam Murshedi told reporters at the press conference.
‘We came to know about the match-fixing scandal from the media and saw the video footage. It further intensified the doubts.
‘We talked to the players and officials and came to a conclusion that there was an understanding between two clubs,’ said Murshedi, evading the repeated questions if they have any concrete evidence over a fixed game.
Murshedi said Rahmatganj official Kala had clearly violated the rules as he used mobile phone at the ground during the match despite knowing it was illegal.
Murshedi had no answer when asked why his committee did not recommend punishishing the persons, presumably the Jamal officials with whom Kala had spoken about the outcome of the game.
Murshedi said they have recommended the suspension of goalkeeper of Iran Sheikh as his body language suggested he was aware of the understanding between the clubs.
If that is the case, a question has arisen why his committee should not recommend any punishment for Jamal strikers, who gave clear indication of match-fixing by not celebrating their goals.
The recommendation of two-month suspension for Muktijoddha coach Maruf was also not beyond any question. Maruf claimed to have strong evidence which could have proved the allegations beyond any doubt.
During half-time of the game, Maruf said he had received a phone call from Rahmatganj official Kala, who had mistakenly identified him as a Jamal official and informed him that ‘they have withdrawn their one overseas defender to facilitate them score as many goals as they wish’.
Murshedi said they also took notice of a Rahmatganj allegation that they had also received an offer of match-fixing from Maruf.
‘We came to know that Maruf had offered Rahamtganj Tk 3.5 lakh for buying sweets. We think his motive was not very good as no-one needs so much money just to have sweets,’ he said.
Asked why they did not check the mobile call record through intelligence officials, Murshedi said the BFF will do it if it is deemed necessary.
Asked when match-fixing is deemed a criminal offence in many other countries, why they did not take the help of police during their investigation, Murshedi again pushed the ball to the BFF court.
‘We have just put forward our recommendations. Now it is up to the BFF to take action,’ said Murshedi.
BFF president Kazi Salahuddin later told reporters that he had no idea about the league committee’s holding any press conference.
‘’I haven’t seen their recommendations and did not also have any idea that they were going to make it public through a press conference. So I can’t really make any comments,’ said Salahuddin.
‘The only thing I can say is that whatever action we take it has to be justified,’ added Salahuddin.

-With New Age input

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Jamal crowned new champions

Admin — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 04:45:15 +0000

Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club won the Bangladesh League title in their debut season after they eked out a 2-2 draw in their final game against Brothers Union at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Wednesday.
Jamal needed only one point to lift them out of reach of their nearest rivals Muktijoddha Sangsad KC and two goals from Mohammad Sujan and Sergio Chico in the space of three minutes in the second half just ensured that.
Brothers took a surprise lead in the 11th minute through Kingsley Chigozie before Sujan equalised from a penalty 17 minutes into the second half.
Chico ended all excitement two minutes later by scoring the second goal for Jamal, who came to the ground with their names for an alleged fixed game against Rahmatganj still not cleared.
Brothers Union’s Brazilian forward Everton, who was outstanding throughout the game, restored parity in the 70th minute from a penalty, but that was not enough for them to deny Jamal their championship.
With the draw, Jamal have now earned 51 points, four clear of Muktijoddha, who will face Rahmatganj in their last game. The outcome of Muktijoddha-Rahmatganj match will have no impact on the league table unless the allegation of a fixed match against Jamal is proved.
The league committee of the Bangladesh Football Federation will sit at a meeting today and is expected to give their verdict on the match-fixing allegation.
If it is found that Jamal had indeed played a fixed game against Rahmatganj, the league committee has every right to dock their points, in which case the title will go to Muktijoddha.
Jamal, however, felt a cold shiver when Nigerian striker Kinsley hit the back of the net from just inside the penalty area before they could organised their play, following a superb one-two with Everton.
Jamal came close to an equaliser in the second half but could not break down the Brothers defence. Cameroonian Femi Orunnimi tucked a Sergio Chico cross towards an open net from inside the six-yard box on 22 minutes but Yousuf Ali Khan rescued the oranges making a goal-line clearance.
Jamal started the second half with a more aggressive 4-3-3 formation changing their earlier 4-4-2 in their quest for an equaliser and the success came within 17 minutes.
A Brothers Union defender handled a free-kick taken by Jamal’s substitute forward Zahid Hasan Ameli to present the Dhanmondi-based club with a spot-kick opportunity. Sujan did not waste the chance which brought a sense of relief in the Jamal dug-out.
It all turned into a joy when Chico put Sheikh Jamal ahead just two minutes later, heading home Femi’s left-flank cross.
However, the scoreline once again became level after Jamal defender Wali Faisal tackled Everton down from behind inside the danger zone that resulted in a spot-kick in favuor of Brothers. Everton himself took the penalty to beat Aminul.
But that was only just as Jamal held their fort
intact in the remaining minutes of the game and returned to the dressing room with only point they needed, triggering a wild celebration in one corner of the gallery which housed their handful supporters.

-With New Age input

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Easy wins for arch-rivals

Admin — Sat, 14 May 2011 07:09:18 +0000

Dhaka Abahani moved to the top in the Bangladesh League points table with a 2-0 win over Chittagong Mohammedan SC while their arch-rivals Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club also recorded a win on Friday.
Abahani are now sharing the top position with Muktijoddha Sangsad KC bagging 35 points each, though the latter played a game less.
Mohammedan, who beat Rahmatganj MFS 3-1 banking on a Sunday Chizoba hat-trick, are fifth place on 21 points from 15 matches. With this win, Mohammedan avenged their 0-2 defeat in the first leg to the same opponents.
Ghanaian playmaker Awudu Ibrahim and his local midfield partner Mohammad Robin struck one goal apiece after a barren first half to ensure full three points for the three-time champions Abahani.
Iranian player Keivan Sajediv finally made it to the starting line-up after a long wait for completion of his registration process, set up the first goal in the 75 minutes to help Abahani break the deadlock. Awudu headed home in a Sajediv’s curling corner-kick.
Sajediv also had a hand in Abahani’s second goal just minutes before the final whistle at the Bangabandhu National Stadium when substitute Robin’s diving header from his left-flank cross nestled in the net to give the holders a comfortable win in the end.
In the day’s other match at the Kamalapur Stadium, Sunday put Mohammedan ahead just nine minutes after the start but Rahmatganj’s Ugandan player Idris Kasirye’s solo effort restored parity in the 32nd minute.
But the captain’s compatriot Michael Ddumba pulled Mohammedan forward Anwar Hossain down four minutes later to concede a penalty and Sunday converted the spot-kick.
Sunday completed his first and the league’s seventh hat-trick, beating rival goalie Arifuzzaman Himel with a long-range effort in the 64th minute.

Results
Dhaka Abahani 2 (Awudu 75, Robin 89) v
Ctg Mohammedan SC 0
Dhaka. Mohammedan 3 ( Sunday 10, 36p, 64) v Rahmatganj 1 (Idris 31)

Courtesy of New Age

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Farashganj pull Feni Soccer back

Admin — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:05:39 +0000

Feni Soccer Club’s hopes of finishing the first phase of the Bangladesh League out of the relegation zone were shattered when they surrendered a two-goal lead to share points with Farashganj Sporting club in a 2-2 draw at the Kamalapur stadium on Monday.
Palash Majumder put the visiting side ahead in the 14th minute with a strong right-footer from his Ugandan partner Kubaye Dominic’s pass and Masudul Alam Bulbul doubled the lead on 36 minutes with a solo effort.
Bulbul got the ball near the centre circle and deceived two opponent defenders to enter their danger zone before beating rival goalie Sujon Chowdhury with a low drive from close range.
However, a blunder by a Feni Soccer player allowed their opponents to come back in the match. The host club’s midfielder Zakir Hossain was brought down inside the box and skipper Khokan Das converted the resulting penalty.
Khokan’s superb free-kick helped his side level the score in the 68th minute. His aerial shot found an unmarked Amadi Moses who headed the ball in.
The draw left Farashganj in 10th position in the league charts with nine points from their eleven first phase games while Feni Soccer Club have only six.

Courtesy of The Daily Star

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Abahani scrape past MSC

Admin — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:44:06 +0000

A second half strike by Dhaka Abahani’s Ghanaian forward Ntiny Twaunu Frank gave his team a solitary goal victory over their arch-foes Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Bangladesh League at the Kamalapur stadium on Sunday.
Frank placed the ball into the top left corner of the post with a curling left-footer from just outside the penalty area utilising a wrong pass by Mohammedan midfielder Habumughisha Ismail in the 65th minute. It was ninth goal of the tall striker this season, two less than the leading scorer Mithun Chowdhury of Muktijoddha Sangsad.
Mohammedan coach Shafiqul Islam Manik blamed his strikers for the loss, though he informed that he was satisfied with his team’s performance.
‘We got two sure chances but failed to take them. Otherwise my boys played extremely well and dominated the game,’ said Manik.
Mohammedan kept their opponents under pressure with frequent attacks from the very beginning and midfielder Anwar Hossain struck the woodwork from close range in the 22nd minute while his Nigerian team-mate Emeka Christiano’s shot came back off an Abhani defender’s legs.
Emeka got only Abahani goalkeeper Shahidul Alam Sohel to beat two minutes after the break but his poor shot was grabbed by the keeper.
Abahani’s Iranian coach Ali Akbar admitted it was not an easy match for them to win and praised Frank for the hard-fought victory.
‘It was very difficult to break down their compact defence while we had to remain busy keeping them away from scoring,’ said the Iranian coach, who will leave Bangladesh today as his contract with Abahani will expire at the end of this month. The win took Abahani to the top of the league table with 26 points, one more than second-placed Muktijoddha who have a less.
Mohammedan are now in seventh place having earned only 13 points.
Away at the Cox’s Bazar stadium, Sheikh Russell KC came from one goal down to share the spoils with basement team Chittagong Abahani in a 1-1 draw.
Masud Rana put the port city side ahead in the 57th minute and Charles rescued a point for Sheikh Russell netting the equaliser six minutes before the final whistle.

Courtesy of New Age

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Jamal beat MSC

Admin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:06:49 +0000

Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club defeated Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club 1-0 in the Bangladesh League at the Kamalapur stadium on Sunday. Zahid Hasan Ameli scored the winner which created a chaos and controversy.
In the 72nd minute Ameli drove a Shakil Ahmed cross toward the Mohammedan post from the edge of the box which was blocked by Mohammedan goalkeeper Titumir Chowdhury Titu from inside the goal-line and so referee awarded the goal.
Mohammedan protested at the referee’s decision and refused to play the game anymore. They, however, changed their decision and the game resumed after 20 minutes.
With this win Sheikh Jamal joined Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra in third place of the league table with 18 points while Mohammedan are sixth on 13 points.
Earlir, Arambagh Krira Sangha and Farashganj Sporting Club, who have earned 11 and nine points respectively, shared the spoils in a drab goalless draw at the same venue.

Courtesy of New Age

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Abahani back on top

Admin — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 21:47:06 +0000

The title race for this season’s professional football league is heating up as Abahani, the defending champions and Muktijodhha Sangsad are giving each other a hard time at the top of the table.
Abahani moved back to the top of the Grameenphone Bangladesh League points table yesterday with a 2-0 victory over fourth-placed Sheikh Russel KC at the Birshreshtha Mostafa Kamal Stadium.
Skipper Pranotosh Kumar gave Abahani the lead on the 31st minute when he produced an excellent footwork to go past his marker and placed the ball on the far post.
Striker Shakhawat Hossain Rony sealed the match five minutes after the restart when he collected the ball from Ghanaian midfielder Yusuf Aminu before placing it over the keeper on the top of the net for his fourth goal of the campaign.
With this result, Abahani move to the top with 23 points from ten matches while Sheikh Russel stay at fourth with 18. Muktijoddha are one point behind Abahani in second having played one game less.
In today’s matches, star-studded Sheikh Jamal will face off with giants Mohammedan at the Birshreshtha Mostafa Kamal Stadium while strugglers Arambagh and Farashganj will meet earlier at the same venue.

Courtesy of The Daily Star

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Abahani go top

Admin — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 02:51:33 +0000

Defending champions Abahani moved to the top of the Grameenphone Bangladesh League with a 3-1 victory over Feni Soccer Club as the professional league resumed after a 13-day break.
After an insipid first half, Abahani took the lead in the 57th minute through Ghanaian midfielder Yusuf Aminu as he escaped his marker before placing the ball on the far post.
The lead was doubled six minute later when Aminu’s compatriot Twum Frank converted a spot-kick, that took the lethal striker top of the goal-scorer’s chart.
Abahani kept up the pressure and found a third in the 72nd minute when skipper Pranotosh Das hit the back of the net with low header.
Tahidul Alam’s powerful header in the 80th minute reduced the margin for the club from Feni but could not avoid another embarrassing defeat.
Feni are second from bottom with only four points from nine matches while Abahani have 20 from same number of matches.

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Rahmatganj’s narrow win

Admin — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 04:24:56 +0000

A brace from Idris Kasirye helped Rahmatganj MFS edge visitors Chittagong Mohammedan 2-1 in a Grameenphone Bangladesh League match at the Birshreshtha Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur yesterday.
With their fifth win in eight matches, Rahmatganj leapfrogged to the third position from fifth with 16 points, one less than second-placed Abahani and three less than leaders Muktijoddha Sangsad.
Chittagong Mohammedan remained glued to the eighth position in the 12-team table with seven points.
Ugandan striker Idris put the old Dhaka outfit ahead in the 34th minute and doubled the margin four minutes from time while Mohammedan’s Liberian recruit Clatus Blamo pulled one back in the 76th minute. -The Daily Star

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