Rahmatganj emerge as new finalist eliminating Mohammedan 1-0

The giant-killer Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society emerged as the new finalists in the Federation Cup Football Tournament eliminating traditional Dhaka Mohammedan SC by 1-0 goal in the first semi-final of the 31st edition of the meet at Bangabandhu National Stadium here on Thursday.

Earlier, the old Dhaka outfit Rahmantganj smartly booked a seat for the semifinal shocking eleven-time champions Dhaka Abahani Limited by 4-3 goals in the tie-breaker as their first quarterfinal ended in 1-1 draw in the extra-time on Monday last.

After the shocking departure of Dhaka Mohammedan, all the six former champions – Dhaka Abahani, Sheikh Jamal, Sheikh Russel, Muktijoddah Sangsad and Brothers Union – eliminated from the season's curtain raiser meet – Federation Cup Football.  

Rahmatganj MFS will now play final on Sunday (Jan 5) at 4:pm against the winners of Premier Football League champions Bashundhara Kings and newcomers Bangladesh Police FC, who will meet each other in the 2nd semis on Friday (Jan 3) at 4 pm at the same venue.

In the day's first semis, Uzbek forwrad Turaev Akobir netted the match-winner Rahmatganj MFS in the 16th minute of the match by a glancing header from the danger zone, utilizing a cross of midfielder Shahedul Alam (1-0).

After conceding an early goal, Dhaka Mohammedan SC tried their best to comeback in the match, but all of their efforts went in vain due to lack of good finishers.

Despite dominating the match with better ball possession, the ten-time champions Dhaka Mohammedan SC failed to level the margin in the first half.
 
In the 22nd minute, Japanese midfielder cum Mohammedan captain Uryu Ngata missed the target before Rahmatgonj goalkeeper

Rasel Mahmud Liton denied an angular shot from Nigerian midfielder Ugochukwu Obi Moneke in the added time of the first half (45+1 minute).

After the half-time, Mohammedan could level the margin as their substitute forward Aminur Rahman Sajib netted the ball by an grounder shot inside from the box in the 77th minute, but referee cancelled the goal for offside.

The old Dhaka outfit Rahmatgonj also continued their counter-attacks till the last whistle with several eye-catching efforts.

In the 82nd minute, Mohammedan goalkeeper Hossain Suzan smartly saved a powerful drive of Rahmatganj substitute midfielder Enamul Islam Gazi.
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Rahmatgonj emerged unbeaten runners-up of Group C after playing two successive draws against Saif SC and Sheikh Jamal DC.

Rahmatgonj's midfielder Sanoar Hossain, Tajik defender Acpopob Asrorov and Mohammedan's defender M Atikuzzaman were cautioned with yellow cards.

Rahmatgonj MFS: Rasel Mahmud Liton (GK), Acpopob Asrorov, Camara Younoussa, Mahmudul Hasan Kiron, Arafat Hossain, Momodou Bah, Turaev Akobir, Shahedul Alam (Didarul Alam), Sanoar Hossain, Shuhel Miah (Enamul Islam Gazi) and Nadidul Islam Nahid.

Dhaka Mohammedan SC: M Hossain Suzan (GK), Stanley Onye Kachi Amadi, Anik Hossain, Habibur Rahman Sohag, Souleymane Diabate, Yousuf Sifat, Sahed Hossain, M Atikuzzaman (Aminur Rahman Sajib), Ugochukwu Obi Moneke, Uryu Ngata and Sayed Rakib Khan Evan.

Referee: Md Jalal Uddin