The title-contenders' forwards were found wanting in front of goal as they could manage a 2-1 win at the Maulana Bhasani National Stadium.

Just as they did against Wari Club, which the popular Motijheel outfit won 3-2, Mohammedan squandered half dozen chances before two second-half goals from captain Ariful Haque Prince and Ashraful Hossain Shishu cancelled out Azad's Mominul Tamjid strike.

Apart from two chances that fell to striker Maksud Alam Hablu, the Black and Whites hardly imposed themselves in a goalless first 35 minutes.

Hablu wasted a golden opportunity midway through the half when he failed to put the ball into the net from a Zahidul Islam pass with the Azad goalkeeper Mehrab Hossain completely beaten.

And moments later he fired his shot wide of the target after another counter-attack.

After the breather Prince put the last year's runners-up ahead from a penalty-corner in the 54th minute while his partner Shishu doubled it five minutes later from a brilliant solo effort.

Azad then began launching a wave of attacks and that resulted in Mominul scoring in the 62nd minute after Mohammedan keeper Shakil failed to clear an easy hit.

Inspired by the goal, Azad piled on the pressure for the remaining minutes but the Mohammedan defence withstood each assault to ensure full points.

SONALI BANK-SADHARAN BIMA
In the other match, fresh from a goalless draw against giant Mariner Youngs Club in the first match, Sonali Bank shared points with Sadharan Bima after a 1-1 draw at the same venue.

After the barren first half, the insurance men came from behind to hold the spirited bankers.

Imran Ahmed scored a field goal to put Sonali Bank ahead in the 53rd minute while Abdus Samad equalised it in the 66th minute.