Fresh from a shocking 5-1 defeat against their perennial foes Abahani, the Motijheel outfit under a new management made a desperate effort to lift their spirit but a 24th minute strike by Saiful Islam Moni was good enough for the Reds in the end. It will be Muktijoddha's second final berth inside a month after their Independence Cup tournament success.

Last year's runners-up Moha-mmedan started the game with great pace on a slippery surface which somewhat calmed their aggrieved supporters who performed a human-chain and staged a protest rally before the match demanding the resignation of the club officials.

Ace midfielder Matiur Munna led the charge in the middle to threaten Muktijoddha but their two forwards Alfaz and Manju were out of ideas to capitalise on the opportunities.

But the Black and Whites lost their rhythm once Moni put Muktijoddha ahead from a counter attack. The well-built striker brilliantly connected a minus from Kanchan from the left giving Biplab no chance in the Mohammedan goal. However, Moni's joy turned sour immediately as he collapsed to the ground in pain, result of the tussle with Mohammedan defender Hassan during the goal. The Muktijoddha forward had to leave the field on a stretcher and is doubtful for the final on May 3.

Muktijoddha looked happy with the slim lead and their defensive ploy allowed Mohammedan to regroup in the second half but luck did not shine on them.

The best chance came their way just before the long whistle but substitute Zahid's sharp header on an Alfaz corner was saved by Saiful from the goalline after it had beaten custodian Aminul.

Mohammedan captain Alfaz, playing his best game of the season created a couple of other good opportunities which fellow striker Manju wasted.

Country's number one goalkeeper Aminul saved his side on a number of occasions, especially when he fisted a vicious Asad's right footer for a corner in the 81st minute.

The only chance in the second half for the Muktis fell to Saiful but his 55th minute header on a trademark long from Belal went out after kissing the crosspiece.

Mohammedan's new coach Kazi Jashinuddin Joshi expressed his satisfaction over the team's performance after the carnage against Abahani.

"I am really happy with my boys. I must say luck didn't favour us. We got most of the chances. I think Aminul made the difference," said the former national winger.

Muktijoddha coach Shafiqul Islam Manik admitted that his team got bogged down in the last twenty minutes.

"My team lost the initiative after Saiful hit the bar but I think we got more opportunities in the match," said Manik.

Yellow cards: Aminul, Kanchan, Paul and Saiful (Muktijoddha) and Manju (Mohammedan).

TEAMS
Muktijoddha: Aminul, Rajani, Harry, Belal (Pappu), Hasan, Iqbal (Enamul), Kanchan, Titu, Arman, Moni (Saiful) and Paul.

Mohammedan: Biplab, Nazrul, Hasan, Scylla, Papel, Munna (Zahid), Arman Aziz, Manju, Mintoo (Rony), Alfaz and Dolley.

Referee: Ramkrishna Gosh.