Sheikh Russel KC stumbled in their opening match of the Grameenphone Bangladesh Premier League when they were held to a 1-1 draw by visitors Feni Soccer Club at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
Nigerian forward Rowland Abakporo gave Feni a first-half lead with a superb over-head kick before Ernest Sinkam Emako levelled the margin from a spot-kick late in the second half.
The game started with a minute's silence observed to the memory of those who died in a post-match clash in Egypt earlier in the week.
Sheikh Russel, one of the title contenders, dominated the game yet can consider themselves lucky having snatched a point from the game. They went a goal down in the sixth minute and had to wait till the 78th minute to snatch an equaliser.
However, according to the trend of play, Sheikh Russel should have scored a few goals but for the failure of their strikers and a brilliant performance from Feni goalkeeper Masud Alam Uzzal, who thwarted at least three good attempts from Sheikh Russel forwards Yeamin Munna, Alamu Bukola and Ernest Emako.
Feni went ahead in the very sixth minute with a brilliant over-head kick from Rowland as his shot to the far post from the left-hand box left Sheikh Russel goalkeeper Biplob Bhattacharjee, who was at the near post, helpless.
Sheikh Russel should have levelled the margin three minutes later, but winger Yousuf Ali drove miles off target from the edge of the six-yard box. However, the third-placed finishers of the last season were given a reprieve with a penalty, thanks to Feni defender Okoye Victor who intentionally handled the ball inside the box which also saw him get the marching order. Emako stpped up to convert the spot-kick to rescue Sheikh Russel from a defeat.
“We were lucky to snatch a point from the game which is always better than getting nothing,” said Sheikh Russel coach Maruful Haq.
Explaining the poor show from his charges, Maruf said that the wingers could not penetrate the Feni backline and the five-man wall of Feni made it difficult go penetrate down the midfield.
“Sheikh Russel are a better side than us and we are happy to snatch a point from them in our first away match although we targeted full three points,” said Feni coach Rejaul Haque Jamal.
