The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Holders Dhaka Abahani Limited played to a 2-2 goals draw with their arch rival Dhaka Mohammedan SC in the high voltage match of the Citycell 2nd B. League at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Monday.

Despite draw Dhaka Abahani maintains solo lead with 16 points from seven matches. Dhaka Mohammedan also improved their position securing 12 points from six matches.

In the day's match, Nigerian striker Emeka Chritian Ibe struck twice for Dhaka Abahani, while Alamu Bukola Olalekin, also from Nigeria, and striker Mohammad Rabin netted each for Dhaka Mohammedan. The match was locked 1-1 during the first half.

Dhaka Mohammedan found the net in the 20th minute. Receiving pass from Robin Bukola dodged past advancing opponent custodian Biplob and easily netted the ball (1-0).

Emeka restored the parity for Dhaka Mohammedan in the 40th minute with a push from inside the D-box after taking a close angular pass from Ghanaian striker Awudu Ibrahim (1-1).

After the lemon break, Dhaka Abahani again took lead as Emeka scored his second goal in the 55th minute with a gentle push after Ibrahim's long shot from left wing fell in the goal mouth melee (2-1).

Mohammedan striker Rabin changed the fate of the match, one minute before the long whistle, with a superb angular box shot after taking a left wing lofted shot from substitute Komol, leaving the Abahani fans in deep sorrow.

Both the teams played attacking football and spoiled some scoring chances. Dhaka Mohammedan dominated in the first half while Dhaka Abahani in the second half.

Black & white outfit Dhaka Mohammedan came close to score in the 18th minute, but Sharif's powerful shot from the vantage position went beside the side bar.

Dhaka Mohammedan again got another chance in the 45th minute but this time Abahani custodian Biplob foiled Mohammedan Robin's attempt.

Dhaka Abahani deprived a goal in the 56th minute when Ibrahim powerful shot from 12 yards sailed over the cross bar.

Yellow cards: Biplob, Pranotosh and Joy (Abahani); Nasir and Rabin (Mohammedan)

Today's match: Brothers Union vs Sheikh Russell (BNS at 4:30 pm).