DHAKA, Jan 28, 2021 (BSS)- Malian forward Souleymane Diabate scored a brace helped Mohammedan Sporting Club came from behind to force their arch-rival Abahani Limited, Dhaka to play a 2-2 goal draw in the much anticipated grudge match of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football held today at Shaheed Dhirendranath Stadium in Comilla.
Despite the day’s outcome, Abahani Limited moved up with 10 points from four matches, two points less than league leaders Bashundhara Kings, while Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited also raised their tally to five points playing the same number of outings. Table topper Bashundhara Kings dominate the league table with 12 points from four matches.
It was also the first time for Abahani as the sky blue Dhanmondi outfit lost valuable point in the ongoing league after winning the last three matches while it was the second consecutive draws for Mohammedan.
Both the teams played an entertaining football launching attacks and counter attacks all through the proceeding that amused the local crowds in the big bowl at the stadium.
Brazilian forward Francisco Wagsley gave Abahani Limited a deserving lead early in the 14th minute but their lead lasted for few minutes when Souleymane Diabate restored the parity for Mohammedan SC in the 17th minute of the match.
Midfielder Jewel Rana again put Abahani ahead in the 33rd minute as the first half concluded with Abahani Limited went to the breather with 2-1 lead.
After the resumption, Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited came to the field with more organized way got the reap when Diabate brought Mohammedan in match scoring his second goal in the 66th minute of the match.
After that, both the teams created several scoring chances but failed to take further lead in the remaining proceeding.
Abahani will play their next match against Chittagong Abahani Limited while Mohammedan SC will face Bashundhara Kings. Both the matches will be held on February 1 at Bangabandhu National Stadium.
Earlier, Abahani Limited beat Bangladesh Police Football Club by 1-0 goals in their league opening match, defeated Brothers Union Club by 2-0 goals in their second match and edged past Rahmatganj Muslim and Friends Society by 1-0 goal in their third match.
On the other hand, Mohammedan SC made a winning start in the league when they blanked Arambagh Krira Sangha by 3-0 goals in their league opening match but they lost 1-2 to Saif Sporting Club in their second match. The traditional black and white Motijheel outfit played out to a 1-1 goal draw with Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra in their third match.
Squads:
Abahani Limited, Dhaka – Shahidul, Waly, Nasir, Badsha, Sohel, Francisco, Rubel, Jewel, Saad, Saighani and Belfort.
Mohammedan SC – Bipu, Kamrul, Mounzir, Anik, Habibur, Diabate, Evan, Nagata, Nurat, Bappy and Jafor.