The stubborn students from the Savar sports institute put on a disciplined show to keep the scoreline slim at the Army Stadium against their star-studded seniors, who had a number of current and ex-national players in their roster.

It was a good comeback match for Saifur Rahman Moni, who was sidelined for almost a year through injury, as the national striker was in the heart of the Varsity attacks. He, however, was twice denied by the woodwork.

It seemed that lacks of co-ordination and fitness barred Dhaka University from a bigger win and it was Saiful who separated the two sides when the midfielder placed in a freekick by Monwar.

National rightback Hassan Al Mamun, still nursing an injury, had to watch the match from the sideline but his national teammates Parvez Babu and Abu Faisal were available for DU, who play Islamic University, Kushtia tomorrow.

Both teams are on top of the table after Islamic University's solitary goal victory against Jahangirnagar University in the group opener earlier yesterday.

Milon slotted the match winner just two minutes after kickoff.

While all the qualifying matches are being played on knockout basis, the Education and Services zone matches are played in league basis.

The Services zone qualifiers will start today, also at the Army Stadium.

Meanwhile, 10-man Manikganj moved to the zonal semifinal at Padma zone beating Gopalganj 1-0 at the Shariatpur Stadium.

Wahidur Rahman struck the lone goal in the 71st minute but Manikganj were reduced to ten men two minutes later when their goalkeeper Moshiur Rahman was sent off.

At the Magura Stadium, Ohidul and Ujjal scored either side of the break to help Jhenaidah set a zonal semifinal clash against hosts Magura with a 2-0 win over Meherpur.

On the opening day of the Meghna zone, hosts Perojepur twice came from behind to win a five-goal thriller and knock out Patuakhali 3-2.

In an exciting match before an 8,000-strong crowd, Monir put the visitors ahead in the first minute but Jewel levelled the score on the half hour. Patuakhali again took the lead four minutes into the second half through Sagar but a brace by Liton Khan in the 57 and 83 minutes snatched victory for the home side.

Peroejepur will take on winners of today's match between Barisal and Barguna in the zonal semis.

Today's matches: Dhaka v Madaripur (Shariatpur), Jessore v Kushtia (Magura), Barguna v Barisal (Perojepur), Comilla v Brahmanbaria (Habiganj), Bangladesh Army v Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force v Bangladesh Police.