Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra had some nervous moments before defeating Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club 2-1 in the opening match of the Bangladesh Premier League season today at the Bashundhara Kings Arena.
After controlling the first half fully, it seemed as if Sheikh Russel would run away with the match, with Selemani Landry giving them the lead in the fifth minute by slamming home a square feed from Sumon Reza after a superb through-ball from Kodai Ida in the middle.
Despite failing to score again in the first half, the 2013 winners gained a numerical advantage in stoppage time when Sheikh Jamal defender Mohammad Kiron was issued a straight red card for pulling Sarwar Zaman Nipu from behind as the final defender just outside the box.
And Jugoslav Trenchovski’s men increased their advantage four minutes later when centre-back Ganiu Ogungbe headed Kodai’s corner-kick into the far corner of the goal.
But, to their credit, Sheikh Jamal came back just before the hour mark, with Shokhrukhbek Xolmatov’s thunderous effort beating Sheikh Russel goalkeeper Mitul Marma at the near post.
Despite the numerical deficit, Sheikh Jamal pressed for an equalizer and came close many times in the end, but Russel held on for three crucial points.