A dream goal by Rukunuzzaman Kanchan enabled Mohammedan Sporting Club to win the season's first battle-royale against bitter rivals Abahani Krira Chakra 1-0 to book their tickets to the final of the Nitol-Tata Third National Football League yesterday.

The busy marksman broke the deadlock with a sublime left-footer in the 38th minute of the second half at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

The holders will now take on Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra in Friday's final. Earlier the Muktis brought high-flying Moulvibazar Wanderers down to earth also by a solitary goal win in the other semi.

It was not only Kanchan's fifth goal in the competition but perhaps his most priceless.

The only goal in a high-voltage drama came from a quick counter-attack when Mohammedan left-back Mahmudul Hasan sprinted down the flank in a way as if his black and whites shirt was on fire.

The nimble defender didn't stop running until he reached the top of the box to float a curling cross to the unmarked Kanchan who received the ball and spun around weighed his options from an acute angle. The innovative national striker then took a swerving left-footer that sailed over a bemused Abahani custodian Titumir and entered the net kissing the far post. As soon as the ball entered the net the Mohammedan half of the gallery exploded into wild celebrations.

And after the goal, Moha-mmedan had to endure a nerve-wracking seven minutes before referee Ibrahim Nesar blew the long whistle.

But it was Abahani who created more chances than their Motijheel rivals in what was a cracking encounter in front of nearly 40,000 spectators.

The first half gave little indication of what was to follow. The two popular clubs finished goalless at the breather but it was full of action.

Abahani could have gained advantage in the 21st minute of the second half. But Mohammedan custodian Nizam Majumdar denied a Khokon bounced header making a smart goalline save. But despite Nizam's brilliance the ball was hanging dangerously near the post before Hasan cleared it from a mishit of Rezaul Karim Liton.

The match between the giants brought a sigh of relief for the organisers worried that that the stadium wouldn't attract crowds. Apart from a minor on-field incident the game was conducted peacefully.

Yellow cards: Hasan and Farhad (Mohammedan), Liton (Abahani).

TEAMS MOHAMMEDAN SC: Nizam, Jewel Rana, Masud Rana, Hasan, Riyad, Joy, Titoo, Monwar (Pappu), Dabran (Salisu), Kanchan and Farhad.

ABAHANI KC: Titumir, Nazrul, Aminul, Sila Fode, Mintoo, Liton (Nayan), Pranatosh, Donald Ague, Asad (Shuvro), Sandro and Khokon.

Referee: Ibrahim Nesar.