Photo: Collected
Mohammadan's unbeaten run in the Bangladesh Premier Football League came to a shocking halt on 23 January 2025, as they suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Fakirerpool Youngmen's. After a stellar start to the campaign with eight consecutive wins, the top team was brought down by the league's lower-ranked side, in what was a surprising 1-0 loss.
Held at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Comilla, the match was a turning point for both teams. While Mohammadan still holds the top spot in the table with 24 points, Fakirerpool's victory lifted them to 9 points, moving them up to sixth.
The match began with Mohammadan looking shaky, struggling to get a foothold in the game. Their forwards failed to test Fakirerpool's goalkeeper, despite regaining some rhythm as the first half wore on. Fakirerpool also had their chances, but a lack of composure in front of goal saw both sides go into the break level.
In the 24th minute, Fakirerpool's Shanto Hossain had an excellent chance to score, but his chip shot sailed over Mohammadan goalkeeper Sujon Hossain and went wide. Towards the end of the first half, Sulaiman Diabate, Mohammadan's captain, was presented with a golden opportunity due to a mistake from Fakirerpool's goalkeeper, Saju Ahmed, but the Mali striker squandered the chance with a poor shot.
The second half continued in a similar fashion, with both teams wasting chances. Mohammadan's Minhaj Rakib came close with a bicycle kick attempt that missed the mark, while his teammate Diabate also failed to convert a flick from inside the box.
In the 62nd minute, Fakirerpool's Mansur Kuldiyati missed an open opportunity, failing to capitalise on an unmarked position in the box. Three minutes later, the breakthrough came. A well-worked exchange between Fakirerpool's Akbir Turayev and midfielder Sardor Jahonov resulted in a powerful shot from Jahonov from outside the box. The ball flew past Mohammadan's goalkeeper Sujon, who dived in vain.
Mohammadan responded with some pressure, notably in the 74th minute when Sorav Deowan's shot was cleared off the goal line by Nigerian defender Segun Tope Ododua. In the 82nd minute, Arif Hossain came close with another attempt, but his shot hit the outside of the net.
With time running out, Mohammadan threw everything forward, winning a series of corners in injury time. However, Fakirerpool's defence, led by goalkeeper Tayeb Siddique, stood firm and thwarted every attempt, ensuring the 1-0 victory.
Despite the loss, Mohammadan retains the top spot in the league with 24 points. However, their unbeaten streak has now come to an end. Meanwhile, Fakirerpool's victory not only ended Mohammadan's dominance but also propelled them up the standings to 9 points.
Messenger/Tareq
