Mohammedan edge Abahani 3–2 in first Dhaka Derby

Bangla Press Desk: Mohammedan Sporting Club secured a 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Abahani Limited in the season’s first Dhaka Derby of the Bangladesh Football League, held at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla on Monday. 

The result marked Mohammedan’s first win of the campaign.

Mohammedan struck first in the 20th minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse. Samuel Boateng burst down the right flank, drawing goalkeeper Mitul Marma out of position before cutting the ball back into the box. After a brief scramble involving Yasin Khan, Rahim Uddin seized control and slotted home into an empty net.

The black-and-whites doubled their advantage in the 31st minute when Emmanuel Eli Keke cleverly flicked in a Muzaffar Muzaffarov corner. Abahani nearly halved the deficit just before the break, but Sujon comfortably gathered Bruno Matos’ curling free kick in the 42nd minute.

Seven minutes into the second half, Mohammedan tightened their grip on the contest. Boateng rose to meet a Zahid Hasan Shanto cross and headed in the team’s third, putting Abahani on the ropes at 3-0.

However, the Sky Blues mounted a spirited fightback. In the 72nd minute, Quazem Shah released Papon Singh, who fired a stunning long-range strike to pull one back. Six minutes later, Morsalin pounced inside a crowded box to make it 3-2, setting up a tense finale.

Abahani pressed hard in the closing stage, creating multiple chances, but Mohammedan held firm to preserve the victory. Abahani’s winless run has now stretched to three matches, leaving them still searching for their first triumph of the season.

Mohammedan captain Mehedi Hasan Mithu expressed his satisfaction after the crucial derby win.

“Abahani–Mohammedan is a rivalry that has existed for generations. Today was a vital match for us because we were at the bottom of the league table. We desperately needed this win, and I’m really happy that we got it,” he said.

BP/SP