Russel finish 1st-leg with win

Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra completed their first-leg campaign of the Bangladesh Premier League with a 2-1 win over bottom-placed Swadhinata Krira Sangha at the Bashundhara Sports Complex on Saturday.

With the day’s win, the 2012-13 champions Sheikh Russel jumped to eighth place from the relegation zone (11th place) of the 12-team league table.

For Sk Russel their midfielder Manik Hossain Molla and Kyrgyzstani defender Aizar Akmatov scored once each inside the 20 minutes of the game before Swadhinata KS’s Uzbekistani midfielder Nodirback Mavlonov scored a consolation goal in the stoppage time of the match.

Sheikh Russel took the lead in the 13th minute when Manik’s glancing header from goalmouth melee deceived Swadhinata KS keeper Sarwar Jahan following a corner kick by defender Rahmat Mia from the left side.

Akmatov made it 2-0 converting a penalty in the 20th minute.

Sheikh Russel midfielder Mannaf Rabbi was rough-tackled inside the box by Swadhinata KS defender Joynal Abedin Dipu and the referee Mizanur Rahman did not hesitate to call for the penalty.

Mavlonov, who was denied at least three times by Sheikh Russel keeper Ashraful Islam Rana in the game, finally got a consolation goal when 25-yard free-kick hit the back of the net.

Mavlonov was fouled by Sheikh Russel’s scorer Manik before the Kyrgyz defender utilised the dead ball chance.

Before Saturday, Sheikh Russel last won a game on February 13 against Saif Sporting Club 1-0 and they suffered five consecutive defeats and played two successive draws.

Source: new age