In arguably the most entertaining match in the competition so far, the crushing loss ended the Reds' seven-game unbeaten streak. But the result, however, had no bearing on tournament prospects as both Dhaka giants had already ensured their places in the last four beforehand.

Muktijoddha ended their campaign at the top of the six-team table with ten points while Premier League champions Brothers, who have a match in hand against Abahani, moved to second place by virtue of a better goal difference.

Both Brothers and Abahani have sealed their places in the last four with eight points each.

Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club look favourites to book the remaining semifinal berth as they need only a draw against their Chittagong cousins today. Chittagong Mohammedan with only one point face a mission impossible -- to win by a clear four-goal margin -- in order to upset the semifinal plans of both Dhaka Mohammedan (three points) and Sheikh Russel KC (four points).

Despite being weakened by the suspension of key players Matiur Munna, Saiful Islam and Rwandan forward Kabua, Muktijoddha began lively when Moni put them ahead after 20 minutes. The national striker went on a solo run down the left flank before drilling an angled left-footer into the far post of Brothers keeper Mohammed Ali from the top of the box.

The star-studded Oranges, who were surprisingly held to a goalless draw by rank-outsiders Chittagong Mohammedan in their last match, came close to equalising inside a minute but Monwar's header on a centre by Alfaz missed the target by inches. Two minutes later, Parvez Babu square-passed a chip by Monwar near the penalty spot for Abul who neatly placed the ball home.

There was no respite for the Muktis who survived a close call in the 34th minute when Topu rattled the sidebar from five yards. Brothers lost Abul through injury but his replacement Rikto gave them the lead five minutes from the break. The midfielder, who found the ball after the rival defence cleared a freekick by Arman, rocketed in a spectacular right-footer from 25 yards into Aminul's top right corner.

Muktijoddha looked ready to fight back when Tipu headed in a left-side cross by Biddyut five minutes into the second half to make it 2-2.

But Arman Mia had other plans and the Brothers playmaker, who was later adjudged man-of-the-match, helped his forwards seal the victory with two brilliant passes inside three minutes.

Even the inclusion of Charles Ghansha did not help the Mukti backline which was unsettled by a vintage show from Arman.

Monwar chased a superb through by Arman down the right before releasing a perfect cross for Topu who nodded home in the 54th minute. Arman then set Alfaz free with a through down the middle and the Brothers captain made no mistake to put the ball into the back of the net to prolong country's number one goalkeeper Aminul's nightmare.

Muktis refused to sit back but Enamul and Kabir's efforts were denied by substitute custodian Biplab, the national number two who proved his worth despite being ignored by the team management in this competition.

There were more fireworks but Monwar failed to utilise another trademark through by Arman when he shot the ball straight at the lone keeper while Emily put the ball wide twice from close range to deny the Gopibagh outfit from a bigger victory.

Yellow cards: Titu (Brothers) and Deen Mohammed (Muktijoddha).

TEAMS
BROTHERS UNION: Mohammed Ali (Biplab, 65th minute), Titu, Rajani, Sujan, Parvez Babu, Iqbal, Monwar, Arman, Abul (Rikto, 32nd), Topu (Emily, 55th) and Alfaz.

MUKTIJODDHA SANGSAD: Aminul, Hassan Al Mamun, Papel, Deen Mohammed (Ghansah, 46th), Belal, Kabir, Tushar, Biddyut (Enamul, 64th), Moni, Kanchan (Masud, 82nd) and Tipu.

Referee: Mansoor Azad.