Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) came from a goal down to reach the final of the Bashanudhara Federation Cup for the successive second time after 2-1 win over Bangladesh Police FC on Tuesday.
Held at the Fl. Lt. Maitur Rahman Stadium, Munshiganj, Police FC stunned the defending champions with taking lead inside two minutes of second half and Mohammedan bounced lately to win the match.
Mohammedan, who won the Federation Cup after an 11-year’s title drought last season, advanced to the final thanks to goals from Emanuel Sunday and Shahrear Emon.
Mohammedan, chasing a 14th Federation Cup crown, could not make any impressive start on Tuesday against Police, when they conceded goal earlier in the second half and they had to wait to score goal for a long 68 minutes.
However, the match was started with high intense from both sides and as both sides missed some opportunities, the opening 45 minutes game was ended on goalless draw.
The second half was a somewhat different story with both sides made a fresh start after the goalless first half, as three goals were scored after the break.
Police surprised Mohammedan with taking lead through Akhrobek Uktamov inside three minutes of starting the second half.
Akhrobek Uktamov of Police defender from Uzbekistan, who rushed into the box, sprang Mohammedan's defenders and lifted over his markers to finish a set piece from Edward (1-0).
Mohammedan, after conceding the goal became desperate to bounce back when they aware that as the clock ticked down, and their desperations were grow.
Mohammedan, when struggling to score goal and also went very closer to level the margin, a close range attempt of Emanuel Sunday bounced back off the crossbar on 55th minute.
Perhaps learning from the mistakes and the obvious need for goals – plus a desire to break out of the Police man-marking that so suffocated the Fl, Lt, Matiur Rahman Stadium amidst hot and humidity – meant Mohammedan became more cautious.
That left Mohammedan equaling on route to back into the game half way of second half game when Emanuel closely finished an Arif Hossain’s effort reflected. The Nigerian forward shot past the keeper to make it 1-1.
Emanue’s goal got better for Mohammedan when Sharear Emon fired them into the lead on 79th minutes.
It was a combination of Arif Hossain and Emanuel with the former pressing forward frantically and Emanuel applied the coup and floated the ball inside the area and Shahrear Emon headed the ball into top corner of net (2-1).
