A last minute strike from Indian recruit Arvinder Singh helped Mohammedan Sporitng Club win the prestigious match defeating their archrivals Abahani Limited by 2-1 in the Green Delta Premier Division Hockey League yesterday at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium.
Giants tasted their first challenge after being unbeaten with facile victories over the weak opponents in their last eight matches but in the ninth match both sides were noticed about their real strength when Mohammedan showed better display with winning the match and enjoying the better ball possession. After winning the match, Mohammedan joined reigning champions Mariner Young’s at the top with 27 points from nine matches while from as many matches Abahani Limited earned 24 points.
It was real Mohammedan-Abahani battle when the tradition rivals onset with attacking attitude from both end with Mohammedan having a little edge over their old-foe. Mohammedan drew the first blood from which they could break the deadlock early hour but one of the Indian recruited Gurjinder Singh being in an advantageous position failed to control him and connect the ball as he grounded inside the box on 13th minute on a long pass from Jimy.
The match was interrupted for at least 20 minutes as both sides claimed for review protesting against the umpires’ decisions.
However, Mohammedan went ahead through Inran Hassan on 24th minute when he found the net with a strong hit after the penalty corner hit was returned by Abahani keeper (1-0).
The match became more exciting when Abahani equalled the margin (1-1)on 55th minute and this time Arshad took an advantage of Mohammedan’s defense lapse. At the first opportunity Mohammedan goalkeeper Zahid Hossain somehow thwarted the attack but could not fully clear it nor the defenders, nearer to the ball clear it out from the circle. After a one all up to 69th minute and the match was heading to a draw, Arvinder Singh’s scoop went to the top of the net after his compatriot and Kamruzzaman Rana’s combination to convert the eight PC Mohammedan earned just some 30 seconds before the final whistle (2-1).