The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Already one up in the series, Dhaka Mohammedan SC face Abahani Limited in the second "best of three football" match today (Wednesday) hoping for a win to take an unassailable lead.

Earlier, on Monday, Mohammedan SC took a 1-0 lead beating Abahani Limited by 5-4 goals in tie-breaker in the first match.

The second of the "best of three football" matches between the two traditional rivals will kick off at 4:30 pm tomorrow at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Talking to UNB on Tuesday, Mohammedan SC coach Shafiqul Islam Manik said they would take the field to win the second match to ensure the series.

He, however, admitted that they would be slightly under pressure as Nigerian recruit Manjamin and Jumratul Islam Mithu might miss the match due to injury while defender Hasan al Mamun, who received red card in the first match, would automatically miss the second match.

On the other hand, Abahani Limited manager Stayajit Das Rupu said the match against Mohammedan SC would be a "do or die battle for us after losing the first match."

He said: "To remain alive in the series, we've no alternative but to win the second match."

There is no injury problem for Abahani except their captain Arif Khan will miss the match as he received a red card in the first match.