Mohammedan SC moved into the final of the Modhumati Bank Independence Cup Football Tournament eliminating arch-rivals Abahani Limited by a solitary in the second semifinal at the almost crowd-less Bangabandhu National Stadium here on Wednesday.
This was the first victory for Mohammedan SC against Abahani in their three meetings this season after conceding two defeats and a draw
Mohammedan SC will play the final on Saturday against outsider Soccer Club of Feni, which made their first-ever final berth in any major soccer meet, shocking old horse Brothers Union Club 2-0 in the first semi-final Tuesday.
In the day’s match, Mohammedan SC scored the match winner in the first half.
Zongo Ousseni, a player of Burkina Faso, scored the all important goal for the traditional black and white team in the 31st minute with a cool shot from close, utilizing a Hemanto Vincent Biswas minus from right flank (1-0).
Abahani’s Ghanaian booter Osie Morrison spoiled three close calls in the day’s crucial match.
In the 43rd minute, Morrison failed to beat Mohammedan goalie Mamun Khan from right wing from a one to one situation.
In the 52nd minute, a Morrison header from danger zone narrowly missed the target while in the 71st minute, the Ghanaian again failed to connect a ball in the Mohammedan goalmouth denying Abahani a goal.
Earlier, in the 53rd minute, Mohammedan’s medio Zahid Hossain also came close to score the second goal, but he failed to connect the ball properly.
Mohammedan SC: Mamun Khan, Arup Kumar Baidya, Nahidul Islam, Baybeck, Ubom Henry, Zahid Hossain, Towhidul Alam Sabuj, Demian Chigozie, Hemanto Vincent Biswas, Zahid Hasan Emily and Zongo Ousseni.
Abahani Limited: Shahidul Alam Shahid, Atiqur Rahman Meshu, Mohammad Sujon (captain), Waly Faisal, Samad Yussif, Prantosh Kumar Das, Shahedul Alam Shahid, Jamal Hossain, Awudu Ibrahim, Osei Morrison and Leonildo Suares.
Referee: Azad Rahman
