ZCZC
BSP-23
FOOTBALL-FED-CUP-BASHUNDHARA
Bashundhara move semifinal in style
DHAKA, Jan 3, 2021 (BSS)- Holders Bashundhara Kings, as the third team, moved to the semifinal of Federation Cup Football beating Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by 2-0 goals in the third quarterfinal match held today at Bangabandhu National Stadium here.
Argentine forward Raul Oscar Becerra gave Bashundhara a deserving lead early in the 10th minute. Brazilian midfielder Fernandes, after taking the ball from mid field, ran down and provided a cross to onrushing Becerra who gently push the ball to the net giving no chance to Sheikh Jamal custodian Mamun Khan.
Bashundhara again came close of scoring in the 23rd minute but Masuk Mia Jony’s powerful shot from the top of the D sailed harmlessly over the cross bar.
Bashundhara Kings deprived from another certain goal in the 33rd minute when an attempt taken by Becerra from the close range was brilliantly cleared by defender Mojammel Hossain Nira from goal line.
Sheikh Jamal created two scoring chance in the injury time of the first half. Winger Zahid Hossain’s close header from the vantage position narrowly missed the target while in the Gambian forward Pa Omar Jobe failed to level the margin despite finding the Bashundhara’s custodian Anisur Rahman Zico helpless under the bar as his attempt went out of play over the cross bar.
After the resumption, Bashundhara Kings were more organised and continued to keep pressure on Sheikh Jamal creating attacks.
Bashundhara got a good chance to double the lead in the 67th minute. Brazilian forward Robson powerful took a powerful shot from the close range to the open net but the ball failed to find the destination while his another attempt was brilliantly saved by Sheikh Jamal custodian Mamun Mai at a cost of corner in the 77th minute.
Robson however did not make the mistake to seal the victory for his team as his long range fierce free kick found the net giving no chance to Sheikh Jamal’s custodian Mamun in the 89th minute of the match.
Bashundhara Kings dominated the entire proceeding and notched their deserving victory while Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club were off-colored on the day.
Bashundhara Kings will play the second semifinal match either Dhaka Abahani or Uttar Baridhara Club scheduled to be held on January 7 following the first semifinal between Saif Sporting Club and Chattogram Abahni Limited on January 6.
Earlier, the group C champions Bashundhara Kings maintained their all-win run in the group phase matches. They made a flying start in the tournament beating old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj Muslim and Friends Society by 3-0 goals in their group opening match and confirmed their spot of quarterfinal as group champions with solitary goal victory over Chattogram Abahani Limited in the second and last group match.
On the other hand, group A runners-up Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club lost valuable point playing out to a 2-2 goal draw with Bangladesh Police football Club in their group opening match and suffered a 2-3 goal defeat to group champions Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra in their second and last group match.
Monday’s match: Abahani Limited Dhaka vs Uttar Baridhara Club at 4pm.
BSS/SG/MMA/211HRS