Ten men Fortis go level with Kings after overcoming Mohammedan

Fortis FC continued their impressive run in the Bangladesh Football League second phase by defeating defending champions Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited 2–1, putting pressure on table-toppers Bashundhara Kings.

With this win, Fortis are now level on points with the Kings at the top of the table.

The match, played in Cumilla, had its share of controversy in the closing minutes.

After 90 minutes, the referee added seven minutes of stoppage time, much of which was consumed by disputes, prompting protests from Mohammedan coach Alfaz Ahmed and captain Mehedi Hasan Mithu.

Earlier in the game, Mohammedan struggled to find rhythm.

Fortis took the lead in the 20th minute when Eassa Jallow controlled a long pass from Manjurur Rahman and lobbed the ball over Mohammedan goalkeeper Sujon Hossain into the net.

After halftime, Jallow helped double the lead with a powerful header from a free-kick delivered by Omar Babou that bounced off a Mohammedan defender inside the box.

Mohammedan briefly reduced the deficit in the 63rd minute, converting a penalty after Sajed Nijhum was shown a red card for handball inside the box.

Muzaffar Muzaffarov stepped up and scored, but even with a numerical advantage, Mohammedan could not find an equaliser.

This marks Mohammedan’s fourth loss of the season, leaving them sixth on the table with 10 points from as many matches.

Fortis, now on 21 points from 10 games, sit jointly atop the standings with the Kings, signaling a fierce title race as the second phase continues to throw up drama.