Abahani and Mohammedan’s lackluster beginning to the Bangladesh Football League persisted as both teams failed to clinch victories in their matches on Sunday. Mohammedan SC, the defending champions, settled for a solitary point following a 1-1 draw against Bangladesh Police FC at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur. Meanwhile, Abahani, the six-time champions, suffered a 2-1 loss to Brothers Union at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla, marking their first defeat to the Gopibagh-based team in over a decade.
In the initial round, Abahani played out a goalless draw against Rahmatganj MFS, while Mohammedan succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Fortis FC. Following a 22-day hiatus, the second round brought mixed fortunes for the two dominant teams once more.
In Cumilla, Brothers Union seized an early lead in the third minute through Nepalese striker Anjan Bista, who converted a low cross from Brazilian Marcus Rudwere. Rudwere then extended the lead from the penalty spot after Hasan Murad brought down Anjan from behind. Malian striker Souleymane Diabate managed to pull one back for Abahani in stoppage time with his first goal for the team, but it was not enough to avoid defeat. The outcome marked Brothers Union’s first victory over Abahani since March 18, 2014, and only their third win overall in the professional league since its establishment in 2007. Brothers Union currently occupies the fourth spot in the standings with three points from two matches.
In Gazipur, Mohammedan bounced back from their first-round loss to preserve their unbeaten streak against Bangladesh Police, with the teams having now drawn seven of their 11 league meetings. Alfaz Ahmed’s squad took the lead in the 19th minute when Rahim Uddin scored from a long throw-in by Rahmat Mia, but SM Bablu equalized with a header in the 49th minute.
Both Mohammedan and Abahani are positioned eighth and ninth, respectively, in the 10-team league table, each with a single point, trailing joint leaders Bangladesh Police FC and Rahmatganj MFS by three points. Rahmatganj MFS secured a 1-0 victory against Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club at the Shaheed Miraj-Tapan Stadium in Manikganj in their recent fixture.