Landry’s equalizer saves Sheikh Russel
Coming from 0-1 goal behind, Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra Ltd played out a 1-1 draw against Mohammedan Sporting Club, courtesy of the second-half equalizer from Burundian forward Selemani Landry Ndikumana, in their second match of the ongoing ABG Bashundhara Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2023-24 on Friday.
At the uneven and poor pitch of Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh, Mohammedan got an early lead with their Malian captain Souleymane Diabate’s right-footed grounder from the right flank of the box off a pass from midfielder Sahariar Emon in the 9th minute of the first half.
Sheikh Russel, who appeared on the pitch without their head coach Jugoslav Trenchovski, tried hard to rejuvenate themselves under their young captain-goalkeeper Mitul Marma after the shocking goal and made a quick comeback to the match before ending the first half.
Though Mitul was replaced by another goalkeeper Rakibul Hasan at the beginning of the second half, Sheikh Russel brought no changes to their plans.
They continuously put pressure on their mighty opponents Mohammedan for an equalizer and after making several close attempts, Burundian forward Landry finally got the breakthrough while forward Sumon Reza sent him a ball inside the box with an impressive cross in the 64th minute.
The combination between Landry and Reza earlier helped the club to secure a 2-1 win against Lt Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Ltd in their opening match of the ongoing league at the Bashundhara Kings Arena last Saturday.
Though Landry scored the crucial goal for Sheikh Russel, their Japanese midfielder Kodai Iida was adjudged the man of the match due to his impact throughout the stipulated 90-minute.
Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) vice-president and Professional League Management Committee (PLMC) chairman Imrul Hassan handed over the trophy to Kodai.
Earlier this day, Rahamatganj Muslim Friends Society clinched a hard-fought 2-2 goals draw against Brothers Union Ltd at the Shaheed Bir Sreshtha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj.
Brothers Uzbek captain Otabek Valijonov scored from converting a spot kick in the 18th minute, but Rahamatganj Ghanaian forward Ernest Boateng leveled the margin in the 25th minute.
After the half time, Brothers forward Mahbubur Rahman again led his side scoring the second goal in the 67th minute, but Samin Yasar saved Rahamatganj with an equalizer in the 88th minute.
Sheikh Russel and Mohammedan currently have 4 points each while Rahamatganj have two points and Brothers just opened their account.
Source: daily-sun
