Mohammedan Sporting Club once again left it late to win their second match in a row in the Citycell Federation Cup, which resumed yesterday after a weeklong break due to incessant rain and unplayable ground condition.
However, the competition faced good old inclement weather as rain and poor ground condition marred the Group D thriller which Mohammedan came from a goal down to win 3-2 against Rahmatganj at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
Nigerian striker Alamo Bokula slotted a brace including an injury time penalty to all but ensure the black and whites' passage to the quarterfinals. With maximum six points, only a mathematical miracle can stop Mohammedan from going into the last eight if they lose their last group match against Arambagh.
The other group match between Arambagh, who beat Rahmatganj in their opener, and Sunrise was postponed due to heavy rain at Gazipur. The match will be held today.
Former Mohammedan forward Francis put Rahmatganj ahead after 34 minutes after a dashing solo move but the joy for the old-Dhaka outfit was short lived as Bokula made most of a slip by rival goalkeeper Ali to equalise three minutes later.
Rahmatganj keeper Ali lost a cross from Egyptian midfielder Hajem Khaled for a lurking Bokula to shot home.
Robin who notched Mohammedan's 87th minute winner against Sunrise in a 1-0 victory in the group opener, scored his second goal of the competition six minutes after breather with a low header on Sharif's centre.
Mohammedan almost conceded the equaliser halfway through the second half but Idris headed the ball onto Aminul's post to relieve the giants' tent.
Rahmatganj finally equalised in the 75th minute when national number one custodian Aminul lost the ball from his grip, only to see Hirok Joarder score with easiest of the taps.
When it seemed to heading for a draw, referee Abdul Hannan Miron awarded Mohammedan a penalty in stoppage time after Wahid Murad was fouled inside the box.
With Rahmatganj footballers protesting the decision, Bokula kept his cool and drove the 12-yarder home to seal victory.
Source: thedailystar.net
