Brothers' second successive defeat following their 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Abahani, who themselves have an outside chance of pipping Mohammedan to the post, dented any hopes they had of taking a solo lead in 10-team table.

Both the Oranges and Black and Whites, who also suffered a 1-0 setback on Friday against Abahani, remain on equal 35 points after 16 matches. On the other hand, fourth-placed Muktijoddha have 31 points with only three rounds to go.

Mohammedan's final two games are against Muktijoddha on August 31 and Brothers September 9.

Abahani take on two weak opponents -- Dhaka Wanderers and Youngmens Club -- in their last two matches.

Unlike the Dhaka derby, which attracted almost a 30,000-strong crowd, Saturday's turnout was very small but that did not hinder a lively first half that saw Nigerian Jeremiah putting Mutijoddha ahead in only the ninth minute and Kanchan doubling the score after five minutes.

Brothers pulled one back after defender Sujan's 18th minute penalty but it was not good enough for the Gopibagh outfit as Muktijoddha survived some nervous moments in the second half to claim three full points.

But undoubtedly Arman Mia was man-of-the-match for George Kottan's side. The creative midfielder brilliantly set up both goals.

Jeremiah completed his fourth goal in the league with a spectacular right-footer. The Nigerian striker received the ball inside the danger zone from a Arman through pass and he had little hesitation to unleash a right-footer which found the far net leaving opponent custodian Tareq helpless.

Kanchan's effort was the result of an Arman right-sided cross before he blasted a trademark left-footer. But some of the blame for letting him score so easily must fall on the Gopibagh-based outfit's defence led by veteran Jewel Rana.

Brothers reduced the margin when referee Hannan Miran pointed to the spot after mercurial defender Rajani brought down Emily in the danger zone.

After the breather Muktijoddha went close to increasing their slender lead but Nigerian striker Paul's header off a Arman corner hit the woodwork.

Tapu could have grabbed the headlines for Brothers twice at the end. First he thought he had scored an equaliser but referee Miran adjudged that the young striker used his hand. Then there was a powerful back volley that forced a save by country's number one custodian Aminul.

Yellow cards: Parvez Babu, Tapu (Brothers) and Biddyut (Muktijo-ddha).
TEAMS
MUKTIJODDHA: Aminul, Hasan Al Mamun, Rajani, Harry, Titoo, Riyad, Biddyut (Al-Arman), Arman (Moni), Kanchan, Paul and Jeremiah.
BROTHERS: Tareq, Sujan, Parvez, Jewel, Siraji (Tapu), Masud Rana, Pranotosh, Inani (Monwar), Abul (Khokon), Emily and Edward.
Referee: Hannan Miran.