Dhaka, Aug 25 (BDNEWS) – After a three-day break due to inclement weather, the Premier Bank Premier Division Football League resumes Friday with league leaders Mohammedan Sporting Club playing against formidable Abahani Limited at Bangabandhu Nation Stadium at 5:00pm.
In quest of regaining the premier league title, the table-topper Mohammedans (35 points from 15 matches) have to overcome the archrival Abahani (29 points from 15 matches), also need to win over other two giants Muktijoddha Sangsad (28 points from 15 matches) and defending champions Brothers Union (35 points from 15 matches) in their remaining matches.
However, another table-topper Brothers Union are in a bit of backward position with a 0-3 defeat to Abahani Limited in the first match after being accused of playing fixing matches with Arambagh KS, Farashganj SC, Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool and Dhaka Wanderers Club. Brothers' remaining matches are against Muktijoddha Sangsad, Dipali Jubo Sangha and Mohammedans SC.
When remembering that Mohammedans could not win against Abahani in the season's previous three meetings, the Mohammedans coach Kazi Jasimuddin Ahmed Joshi said, "The team have been improving day by day against Abahani after giving the charge on me with a 4-2 defeat in tie-breaker of the Federation Cup and a goalless draw in the first-leg of the league."
"The Mohammedans will play positive game against mighty Abahani with the full of confidence earning in the previous match against Farashganj," Josi said hoping that the result of the Tuesday's match to go in favour of them.
About the crucial match, Abahani manager Sattajit Das Rupu said, "The match between Abahani and Mohammedan is always prestigious one and the team will play for victory as we are unbeaten against the Mohammedans in this season."
The former national booter believes the team, who keep the temperament in the match, would be successful by utilising the earlier call.
Asked if there was any chance of being runners-up, Abahani manager Sattajit Das Rupu believes, "The scenario of the point table may be changed if Muktijoddha Sangsad can outplay both the Mohammedans and Brothers and Abahani may be come in the limelight."
According to the second-leg performance, Abahani will certainly be morally ahead against the Mohammedans as the Dhanmondi giants outplayed all three big powerhouses -- Brothers Union, Mutkijoddha Sangsad and Sheikh Russel KC in the second-leg.
On the other hand, the Mohammedans were not shined as expected like the first leg as the title contenders drew thrice against the minnows. But, It would be boosted to Mohammedans that they have returned to the winning spree in the previous match.
Abahani will play Tuesday's match with full strength for the first time so far as they have no injury and suspension problems.
But, the Mohammedans' players have been suffering from minor or major injuries and their top-scorer Manju, who missed the previous match, might be outside of the field. And, all the attacking responsibilities might have to go on the shoulder of skipper-cum-striker Alfaz as the performance of Mcintyre Donald Robert of Sierra Leon was not up to mark.
Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) announced the Friday's match as charity one to raise fund for treatment of ailing former national booter Manwar Hossain Nannu, who has been suffering from cancer for long.
And, the BFF stopped all entire and season's passes to the stadium to raise the fund for Nannu. The authority also revised the rate of entrance – Tk 50 for the VIP gate-1, TK 30 for the VIP gate-2 and the TK 30 for the galleries.
BDNEWS/1905 hrs