SPORTS REPORTER

Brothers Union, once the country’s third football powerhouse after Mohammedan and Abahani, reached Federation Cup semifinals for the first time in 20 years following a goalless draw against Bangladesh Police in their Group A final match in Cumilla yesterday.

Despite tying on seven points with Fortis, who they defeated 1-0 earlier, Brothers secured their semifinal spot due to their head-to-head record.

Meanwhile, in Mymensingh, Bashundhara Kings thrashed Dhaka Wanderers Club 5-0 to emerge as Group A.

Brothers, who last made it to the semifinals in 2005 when they won their third Federation Cup title, faced stiff resistance from Police. Eleta Kingsley’s missed penalty in the 66th minute denied them a win, but the draw was sufficient to progress.

Brothers, who escaped relegation last season after applying to the Bangladesh Football Federation, have been impressive this year, defeating Police and Chittagong Abahani while earning draws against Fortis, Kings, and Abahani. The club’s new management bolstered the squad at the last minute, capitalising on the withdrawals of Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russel, and included several national discards.