Muktijoddha Sangsad escaped with full three points from their second round Premier Bank Premier League match after the title contenders edged Arambagh Krira Sangha in a seven-goal thriller yesterday.

Nigerian striker Paul Nwak-wuchu struck twice as Muktijoddha, who also struggled in a 2-1 win over Dhaka Wanderers in their league opener, came back from a goal down to beat Arambagh 4-3 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

After Ritu shot Arambagh ahead early, the first monsoon rains came as a relief for the footballers who began the league under extreme conditions during a week-long heatwave that gripped the country.

Kenyan striker Dominic, who pulled off two goals for Arambagh from penalties, sent a cross from the left and an unmarked Ritu, storming down the right side of the box, side-volleyed past goalkeeper Aminul in the 13th minute.

The Reds, however, welcomed the rain and bombarded the rival goal to storm into a 3-1 lead by the halftime.

The equaliser came six minutes later when Kanchan leapt high into the air to nod home a left-flank cross by Hassan Al Mamun for his second league goal. The Reds continued the pressure and made it 2-1 from a corner in the 33rd minute when midfielder Iqbal, standing one yard from the goal, deflected a low drive from Biddyut following a goalmouth melee.

The Arambagh defence was in a shambles and Muktijoddha scored twice in similar fashion either side of the break. Arman set up both chances with brilliant through balls down the middle and Paul's clinical finish got him goals in the 37th minute and three minutes into the second half.

Arambagh, who lost their first match 3-1 to Mohammedan, refused to sit back and reduced the margin in the 51st minute from a fortunate penalty. Arambagh winger Morshed's shot from the left hit Muktijoddha defender Harry on the shoulder but referee Abdur Rakib responded to an appeal for a handball.

Dominic powered the ball into the back of the net from the spot and he was again on target in the 84th minute, this time beating substitute goalkeeper Titumeer who had replaced a limping Aminul just one minute earlier. The penalty was awarded after national centre-back Rajani, who struggled throughout the match, felled Morshed inside the box.

In between, Ritu and Morshed both failed to keep their shots on goal in spite of tormenting the rival defence. The way the Mukti's experienced backline handled the situation in the last 15 minutes, would be a headache for coach Shafiqul Islam Manik who has to prepare the boys for their next match against an in-form Mohammedan.

After two rounds, Muktijoddha share the lead with Mohammedan, Abahani and Brothers -- all on six points -- while Arambagh are yet to collect any points.

Yellow cards: Rajani, Harry, Saiful (Muktijoddha).

TEAMS

MUKTIJODDHA: Aminul (Titumeer), Harry, Rajani, Belal, Titu, Biddyut, Iqbal (Saiful), Hassan Al Mamun, Arman (Haris), Paul and Kanchan.

ARAMBAGH: Mitul (Al Amin), Dulal, Murad (Jewel), Ramjan, Akram, Russell, Juku, Imrul, Morshed Dominic and Ritu (Ridon).