Mohammedan led the first half 1-0 through a Farhad goal but were reduced to 10 men just prior to the lemon break when combative midfielder Bakhtiaruddin was sent off for his second bookable offence.

Bakhtiar got himself noted in referee Maruf Sikder's book early in the match. Even after receiving the caution, the diminutive player continued to commit infringements and finally paid the price when his reckless charge on Dhanmondi captain Maruf left Sikder with no option but to show the dreaded red.

Mohammedan never found the same composure following Bakhtiar's absence in the second half and tiny Dhanmondi, languishing in the bottom of the 10-team league and fresh from a 7-3 spanking at the hands of Abahani in their last match, suddenly found the numerical superiority inspiring and equalised in the 59th minute.

The first 45 minutes of the game was all Mohammedan and they should be kicking themselves for not going at least 4-0 up.

Cameroon recruit Etigo, who scored a hattrick in the previous match against Badda Jagarani, spoiled the first chance as his weak shot off a Farhad corner was brilliantly cleared by Dhanmondi defender Mishu from the line in the 9th minute.

Etigo's compatriot Afala then shot the ball wide of the near post from close range after a cross came from the left in the 16th minute. The ever-energetic Farhad then saw his goal bound volley headed out for a corner by Dhanmondi defender Sohel Rana with 'keeper Ratan Ali beaten.

The much awaited breakthrough came for Mohammedan in the 37th minute when Farhad took full advantage of a defensive lapse on the right side of the Dhanmondi box and then dodged past two defenders before sending the ball into the far post with a powerful left footer. But the joy was subdued by Bakhtiar's dismissal in the first half injury time after he had flattened Maruf with an outrageous lunge from behind.

Dhanmondi were a changed side after the breather. They thought they had levelled the match in the 49th minute when Aminul found the net from a Kennedy pass from the left. But assistant referee Shahidul Islam Bachchu had already put his flag up for off side against Aminul.

Aminul however was not to be denied ten minutes later. Ghanaian Kennedy again provided a teasing minus from the left touchline and the lanky striker saw the ball go inside touching his knee.

Mohammedan staged a late rally but couldn't open up the Dhan-mondi defence. Three minutes from time, Farhad connected his head to an Etigo lob from the left flank but the attempt flew over the crosspiece.

It was Mohammedan's fourth draw in six outings. They have 10 points and are a point behind joint leaders Abahani and Sheikh Russell KC. The Black and Whites however, have played a game more.

For Dhanmondi it was only their second point in the league.

Red card: Bakhtiar (Mohammedan).

Yellow cards: Aminul and Ratan Ali (Dhanmondi).

TEAMS

Mohammedan SC: Bikash Malla, Olinga, Jewel Rana, Shuvro, Faisal, Amin Rana, Kaiser (Rashed Pappu), Etigo, Afala, Bakhtiar and Farhad.

Dhanmondi Club: Ratan Ali, Sohel Rana, Azizi, Mishu, Maruf Ahmed, Donald, Kannedy, Bipul (Pons), Wasim, Aminul (Angur) and Palash.

Referee: Maruf Sikder.