Mohammedan Spoi ling Club ba div missed the jHte w need of a quality W • striker when the black and whites began their Nlrma DMFA Cup football tournament campaign with a lone goal win over Farashganj in one of the two final round matches of the curtain raiser meet at the Dhaka Stadium yesterday. The beleaguered Mohammedans, who failed to win a single title last year were impressive In their first match of the season but had to be content with one goal due to poor marksmanship by their forwards.

Shahldul Huq Ranjan. the speedy national left winger, look charge upfront in the absence of a recognised striker.

had s|x>iled at least four easy chances in a rather one-side affair with Farashganj always remaining at the receiving end.

But Ranjan. who joined Mohammedans from Brothers Union along with three other players, made some amends providing Alfaz for the match winner In the 53rd minute.

Alfaz. who got the nod from the national selectors following a successful season with Arambagh last year before switching lo MSC. was.rather fortunate for having the only goal in the match when his fe-able header partially parried by an agile Farashganj custodian Bljoy rolled Into the net after hilling a defender

However, the result merely reflected the dominance of

Mohammedans who could have led the first half by two goals to nil had Ranjan not sent those easy sitters In the 29th and 39th minute respectively wide off the mark with Bijoy at his mercy.

Shortly after the breather Ranjan. who seemed shy of the target hit the bail straight at BiJoy before Alfaz gave the frustrated Mohammedan supporters a welcome relief In the 53rd minute.

After taking the lead Mohammedans pressed hard for more but all their efforts went In vain in the face of some brilliant saves by Bijoy. who stood firmly under the bar.

BROTHERS WIN

Meanwhile, in the day's first match Brothers Union also recorded an identical 1-0 victory over Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society (MFS) to maintain the pattern that was set on the Inaugural day of the filial teg on Wednesday

Nike Lulu, one of the three Nigerian recruit of the Goplbagti outfit, who had ear Her played for Rahmatganj a couple of years back struck the match decider against his former team in the 60th minute.

Nike after being fed by Bakhtiar who sent a neat floater from the right, fires off a first time left footer into the opponent's net.

Chibujor. who along with compatriot Christopher made the Dhaka football debut yes terday. was dented his a share of a goal when his powerful right-footer Just four minutes away from the final whistle rebounded off the far post much to Ihe dismay ■ "’e balding striker

TODAY’S MATCI I1 >

Abahani KC vs East i-.U (5 pml

Muktijoddha vs Victoria SC P pm)