NFL Finals
BU, Samabesh share honours
Staff Correspondent, Rangpur
Nigerian striking pair Paul Nwakuchu and Chimaoku wasted a series of chances to deny Brothers Union three certain points in the Nitol-Tata Fifth National Football League when the defending champions drew goalless with debutants Samabesh Club of Munshiganj here yesterday.Although the Dhaka giants dominated the show, the first match of the second leg of the finals failed to charm the crowd at the Rangpur Stadium. Brothers, who beat hosts Khulna Town Club 2-0 in their first match, began brightly but fullback Siraji's third minute effort was parried by Samabesh goalkeeper Ujjal. Playing their first match, Samabesh threatened to score after 11 minutes, but a Masum volley from inside the penalty area went out after kissing the crossbar. Halfway through the first session, Azizul saw his long-range effort miss the target narrowly. Ripon then saw his shot beautifully saved by Brothers custodian Mohammad Ali three minutes from the half time, giving a wake-up call to the Dhaka giants. Having failed to utilise on the late pressure before the break due to Monwar, Paul and Chimaoku's near misses, Brothers led a relentless assault afterwards but without any avail. The oranges created at least seven opportunities but Paul, Monwar, Liton and Chimaoku's substitute Tapu squandered all the chances to hand one point to the opposition. Ainul Haque, manager of Samabesh Club, praised his inexperienced players for holding the big team. Brothers captain Monwar showed his disappointment after the poor show from his forwards. "We lost our focus after missing one chance after another," he said. Muktijoddha Sangsad of Dhaka will take on Soccer Club of Feni in today’s match.
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