Ugandan striker Idris Kasirye struck the decisive goal in the 63rd minute that subjected the defending champions to their second defeat in four matches and ensured Rahmatganj's first victory in three, taking them to fourth place along with Sheikh Jamal, Mohammedan and Team BJMC on four points.

 

The match was at the centre of attention for another reason as it was the first meeting between the two sides after their 'compromised match' last season where Sheikh Jamal won 5-2 which eventually confirmed their title. So the Old Dhaka outfit had a point to prove and they did it admirably to make the start of the Sheikh Jamal's new coach Abu Yousuf a forgettable one.

 

Rahmatganj MFS, who had a tag of giant-killers for upsetting heavyweights over the years, lived up to that reputation by taming defending champions with better allround football and they even might consider themselves unlucky for not ensuring a greater margin of victory, as striker Lucky Divine wasted two good opportunities in the second half.

 

“I must give credit to the opponents for playing the better football as they played with good sprit and fighting attitude which was absent for my charges,” said Sheikh Jamal coach Abu Yousuf after the match.

 

Despite dropping eight points out of 12, Abu Yousuf said he was optimistic about bouncing back but believes he would have to work hard with his charges to stay in the title race.

 

Sheikh Jamal dominated the first ten minutes of the match but failed to create space in front of the opposition danger zone and after that initial period, Rahmatganj took control. They came close to opening the account on the 13th minute when a close-range header from Idris went inches over the crossbar.

 

Sheikh Jamal mustered their only shot on target two minutes before the breather when Kester Akon flicked one at the near post but Rahmatganj goalkeeper Sujan Chowdhury was up to the task.

 

After the resumption, Rahmatganj pressed hard and had two chances of breaking the deadlock and both fell to Nigerian striker Lucky who spurned both chances by hesitating to take a shot before the opposition defenders rushed in to clear the danger.

 

But Idris made sure that the persistent pressure counted as he found the back of the net on the 63rd minute with a well-judged header from a chaotic situation at the Sheikh Jamal goal mouth.

 

Two minutes later, Aminul made two brilliant saves to deprive Rahmatganj from extending their lead but the former national goalkeeper had to leave the field with his bowed.

 

“The boys were asked to restore the tarnished image of the club by winning this match against the club we lost in a different circumstance last season. I am happy the boys kept the faith of the team management,” said Rahmatganj MFS coach Mahmudur Rahman Liton.