The victory however had little bearing on the title race as both teams are out of the running.

Ugandan striker Lulenti scored the decisive goal in the 28th minute with a right-foot volley following a goalmouth melee.

It increased the Reds' tally to 29 points from 16 matches while the Sky Blues remained on 27 points from the same number of matches.

Abahani had a good chance to equalize just after two minutes but Brazilian recruit Sandro failed to convert from the spot after Muktijoddha midfielder Biddyut was guilty of handling the ball.

Sandro stepped up to take a weak kick, which was saved by custodian Aminul.

Abahani regrouped after the breather but they failed to open the Muktijoddha defence.

Luck also deserted Abahani when a Joy header hit the sidebar with a few minutes to go before the final whistle.

Yellow cards: Masud Rana, Joy, Khokon (Abahani), Saiful, Biddyut (Muktijoddha).

TEAMS
MUKTIJODDHA SANGSAD: Aminul, Mamun, Prodip, Ghansa, Harry (Deen Mohammad), Saiful (Tipu), Biddyut, Matiur Munna, Kaboa, Lulenti and Kanchan.

ABAHANI: Nizam, Siraj, Osamanu, Sila, Masud Rana, Parvez, Joy, Sandro (Nayan), Nikolai, Ujjal and Khokon (Pranatosh).

Referee: Abdur Rakib.

ARAMBAGH WIN
In another match, Arambagh Krira Sangha registered their sixth victory with a 2-0 victory against Badda Jagarani Sangsad at the same venue.

Walid put the winners ahead in the 49th minute while Wino doubled the margin in the 73rd minute.

The win increased Arambagh's tally to 23 points. Badda have just five points from 16 matches.