Local giants Abahani and Mohammedan began their Independence Cup campaign on a winning note after outclassing Farashganj and Bangladesh Navy respectively at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Sunday.Both Abahani and Mohammedan registered identical 2-0 wins. A brace from Lucky Paul allowed Abahani to overcome defending champions Farashganj while Mohammedan also followed suit against Bangladesh Navy courtesy of goals from Tapu Hasan and Osei Morison.
In the first game of the day, Abahani took the lead in the first minute of the second half as Paul tapped in the ball from an Abdul Baten Komol cross.
Nigerian striker Paul came close again in the 48th minute when he shot fiercely only to see his effort coming off the far-post.
Paul however made no mistake three minutes from time to double the lead for the Sky Blue-outfit and thus ensure the three points. This time Twum Frank was the provider as an unmarked Paul sealed the tie from another tap in.
Meanwhile in the second match of the day, Mohammedan controlled proceedings from the outset and were deserving winners over an uninspiring Bangladesh Navy side.
Ghanaian striker Morison created Mohammedan’s first opportunity in the 23rd minute but he failed to score from a one-on-one situation.
Mohammedan right-back Tapu though settled the nerves as he gave his side the lead in first-half stoppage time from a Yeasin assist.
Mohammedan kept on attacking after resumption and doubled their score in the 62nd minute. Morison made amends for his earlier miss to send a low, angular shot past the Bangladesh Navy custodian to make sure of the points.
In the third and last game of the day at the same venue, Sheikh Jamal thumped Soccer Club 6-3, courtesy of a hat-trick from Alfred, a brace from Sunday Chizoba and a single goal from Alamgir Kabir Rana. Antoni, Osio and Ridom scored one goal apiece for Soccer Club.
(Source: Agency)
