Controversial penalty frustrates Sheikh Russel, Hosts Police share points after 1-1 draw
Sheikh Russel KC, under their interim head coach Zulfiker Mahmud Mintu, appeared on the field with a target to return to winning ways with full three points and to avoid further embarrassment.
Earlier on Monday, Sheikh Russel KC appointed Zulfiker Mahmud Mintu as the interim head coach after sacking their coach Saiful Bari Titu to improve their performances and position in the ongoing league.
On Friday, after a barren first half, Shiekh Russel’s forward Mohammad Jewel took the 1-0 lead in the 49th minute. The youngster got at least two back to back chances to net the ball after midfielder Hemonto Vincent Biswas’ direct corner was smartly rebounded by Police goalkeeper Md Nehal.
Jewel, who was inside the box, drove the rebounded ball from the Police goalkeeper. But, Police defenders made a goal-line save. In his second attempt Jewel finally sent the ball home correctly with a header (1-0).
The goal boosted up Sheikh Russel with confidence and helped them to display a well-organized and disciplined football which was absent throughout the first half. But the referee’s controversial decision ended all their hopes.
The incident happened when Police’s Brazilian midfielder Denilson Rodrigues sent a cross inside Sheikh Russel’s box from a counterattack. Police defender Esanur Rahman ran after the ball.
Police German forward Adil Kouskous seized the chance and made no mistake to equalize the margin in the 69th minute (1-1).
Sheikh Russel coach Zulfiker Mahmud Mintu said after the day’s match that they were frustrated with the penalty decision which changed the game.
“We tried hard, but ultimately we lost everything. We are frustrated with the penalty decision. Our players also made several mistakes during the match, but the decision was a game-changer,” he added.
The Daily Sun reporter talked with a local former footballer who was present in the press box during the match and watched the 90-minute gameplay through his experienced eyes.
“I think the referee’s decision was partial. It can’t be a penalty. The ball was far away from the players. The referees should be more careful before taking any decision in this type of crucial game,” he said.
After 1-1, Sheikh Russel got some more chances but failed to extend the margin – Brazilian forward Thiago Amaral failed to connect a cross from his compatriot Ailton Machando in the danger zone in the 71st minute, Kyrgyzs defender Aizar Akmatov shot off the target in the 90th minute.
In the first half, Police put full pressure on Sheikh Russel’s defenders but goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana smartly denied all their efforts. Rana denied back to back two attempts from Police attackers in the 2nd minute – midfielder Denilson’s direct corner and forward Faisal Ahmed’s close-range drive shot. Also, Rana blocked a close range shot from Police midfielder Monem Khan Razo in the 28th minute.
Sheikh Russel KC came with goalkeeper – Ashraful Islam Rana (captain); four defenders – Rahmat Mia, Saad Uddin, Asaduzzaman Bablu and Aizar Akmatov (Kyrgyzstan); five midfielders – Thiago Eduardo Do Amaral (Brazil), Hemonto Vincent Biswas, Mannaf Rabbi, Didarul Islam and Manik Hossain Molla; forward – Mohammad Jewel.
In the day’s other match, Mohammedan Sporting Club beat Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra by 2-1 goals at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani Stadium in Gopalganj.
After the day’s matches, Sheikh Russel climbed up to 10th with 6 points from one win, three draws and five defeats while Police FC climbed up to 4th with 15 points. Mohammedan climbed up to 6th with 13 points while Muktijoddha retained 10th with their previous credit of 6 points.
