Mohammedan start with hard-earned win

Mohammedan Sporting Club launched their Bangladesh Football League (BFL) campaign on a winning note Friday, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fakirerpool Young Men's Club at the Chandpur District Stadium.

The Black and Whites secured the decisive goal in the 18th minute of an end-to-end contest. Uzbek midfielder and captain Muzaffar Muzaffarov delivered a precise corner, which Jahid Hasan Shanto expertly headed into the net.

Fakirerpool created multiple chances to equalise but were repeatedly frustrated by newly signed goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico. Making his debut for Mohammedan, Zico proved a reliable wall between the posts, notably making a crucial double save in the first half to preserve the lead.

This was Fakirerpool's first defeat in their second match of the season. They entered the game high on confidence after beating Dhaka Wanderers in their previous outing, courtesy of a brace from Suleiman Sillah. Both Sillah and Saif Hossain found scoring opportunities again, but poor finishing cost the team dearly.

In the day's other league fixtures, 10-man PWD Sports Club held Brothers Union to a 1-1 draw. Jonathan gave Brothers a 26th-minute lead, but Thewolf equalised on the hour mark before PWD's Anawer was shown a direct red card. Elsewhere, Bangladesh Police cruised to a 3-0 win over Chittagong City FC. Manik Hossain Molla and Junior Stephen Ngong Sam struck in quick succession just before the break, while Kagimu Shafik Kuchi sealed the victory with a stoppage-time penalty.