MSC through, BU close in

Mohammedan striker Wahed Ahmed takes a joy ride after scoring the all-important goal against Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club during a Super Cup match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. Photo: Star

Two-time finalists Mohammedan made it to the semifinals of the Super Cup for the third time after defeating Sheikh Jamal DC 1-0 thanks to an eighth minute strike from forward Wahed Ahmed in their Group B encounter at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
Two wins in two matches took the Black and Whites into their third tournament semifinal of the season, having made it in the Federation Cup and the Independence Cup.
In a match which lacked much goalmouth action, Wahed ensured all three points for the Motijheel outfit by rounding off the Sheikh Jamal keeper, after availing a defensive fumble, on a cross from fellow striker Mobarak Hossain.
The win put Mohammedan atop Group B with six points, two clear of Brothers Union who had earlier in the day defeated Team BJMC 2-1. Sheikh Jamal risk humiliation as they stand on one point, with a must win match against BJMC on Wednesday. Even a win may not be enough for the Dhanmondi side if Brothers manage a draw against Mohammedan on the same day.
And it seems very much likely that Brothers can draw that match or do better, given their performance yesterday, thanks to a 19-year-old borrowed striker named Jewel Rana.
Rana, on loan from second-tier club Wari, was the toast of Brothers Union as he struck two goals in their 2-1 victory over Team BJMC. The lanky forward, who had scored the only goal in their 1-1 draw against Sheikh Jamal on Saturday, scored either side of a goal by BJMC striker Toklish Ahmed to send the opponents out of the meet.
The Jhenidah native thanked his coach for giving him the chance to play, which he grabbed with both hands. “I thank the coach for giving me the chance in the starting eleven and I am very happy to find goals in both matches,” said Rana after his exploits yesterday.

Jewel Rana …. a Super find?

While Rana’s heroics dumped BJMC, it also took his side to four points, three clear of Sheikh Jamal, with one round of matches remaining. A draw on Wednesday against Mohammedan will be enough to see the Oranges in the semifinals, a stage they reached in the inaugural edition in 2009.
Rana gave the Gopibagh outfit a deserved lead in the 14th minute, having dominated early possession and attacks, by turning in a glancing header on a well-judged cross from forward Yousuf Sifat.
National striker Toklish hit the equaliser in the 41st minute with a slapped attempt from inside the box, and just when the match looked headed towards a stalemate, Rana made the difference in the 82nd minute, flicking in a square pass from Komol Islam, to seal the victory.
Rana, who started playing football in inter-school tournament, made his presence felt in Dhaka football in the Second Division and then joined First Division side Mohakhali Ekadash where he scored eight goals. He then moved to Wari Club for the Bangladesh Championship League and scored only three goals before Brothers hired him for the money-spinning Super Cup where he has already made a name.
“My dream is to secure a place in the national side,” said Rana. “I don’t know if I could draw the attention of the national coach, but I will continue with my efforts until I am noticed.”