B. League
Crucial match for Mohammedan
Sports Reporter
Mohammedan will look to maintain their hundred percent record against Brothers Union this season when the two heavyweights meet in a crucial Dhaka derby today.The B. League match, which kicks off at a revised schedule of 4.15pm, will be telecast live by ATN Bangla from the Bangabandhu National Stadium. Mohammedan are at second place, three points behind leaders Abahani, and a win today will not only remove their last hurdle but also keep them alive for the championship. The mid-table Oranges are the last big name in the roster of Mohammedan, who edged Brothers 1-0 in the first leg for their only win against one of the pre-tournament favourites so far. The black and whites, unbeaten in the last 13 encounters since losing 1-0 to Abahani in last March, will play lesser sides like Khulna Abahani and Arambagh in the last two rounds. Still, Shafiqul Islam Manik's side -- who have suffered just one defeat in the professional league -- cannot afford even a draw at this stage as a slip will take their archrivals Abahani closer to the title. Abahani have 38 points to Mohammedan's 35 after 17 games. Abahani play Arambagh tomorrow but have tricky opponents in the last two games when they face two amongst the top four, Sheikh Russel and Muktijoddha. Previous two seasons' top team from the capital, defending two-time Premiership champions Brothers have already crashed out of contention but the Gopibagh outfit would certainly look forward to finish the season with at least one victory against any local giants. Despite being guided by wily Indian coach Syed Nayeemuddin, who takes over the Bangladesh national team next month, they have only sparkled momentarily. They have also slumped to their worst form this season, losing consecutive matches to Muktijoddha, Abahani and Chittagong Mohammedan after a draw with Russel. On 23 points from 17 matches, a victory will enhance Brothers' chances for a fifth place finish. They are currently at sixth place, one point behind Chittagong Mohammedan.
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