After a barren first half at the Rangpur Stadium, the title contenders from Dhaka finally opened up the rival defence with goals from Jeremiah, Amin Rana and Tanvir to secure three points.

Muktijoddha appeared in their second Group-A tie after a 0-0 draw with Mohammedan Sporting Club in Khulna, where the Feni outfit suffered 5-1 thrashing by Abahani.

Soccer Club, who dominated the early part of their Khulna-fixture, also made a fine start but Ritu fired his 20-yard drive just wide of the bar after five minutes. The boys from Feni threatened to score again in the 11th minute but fullback Juku's close-range shot was parried by Reds goalkeeper Titu.

Muktijoddha reasserted soon and Moroccan recruit Rachid Bisahi squandered two chances inside one minute halfway through the first half. Nigerian striker Jeremiah also came close but his efforts missed the mark shortly before the break.

Muktijoddha, trained by former national coach George Kottan, unfolded their real strength after the break with a series of raids. Rachid set up Jeremiah to break the deadlock in the 50th minute with a fine throughpass.

Feni hit back with Juku and Kabir both forcing superb saves by rival custodian Titu in the next ten minutes.

However, the worries were over for Kottan's men when Amin Rana utilised a 70-minute freekick by Rachid to double the lead. The Muktis survived more scares before left-winger Tanvir, a guest player from Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra, made it 3-0 four minutes from time after receiving a pass from Nigerian midfielder Odafa.

Feni captain Jahangir Alam was adjudged man-of-the-match.

Muktijoddha skipper Moni was satisfied after their day's performance.

"We missed a lot of chances against Mohammedan and the players were under pressure to produce early goals. I think we have improved than our first game," said Moni, who has returned to competitive football after a long lay off due to injury, which kept him out of the national squad.

Bangladesh Army will take on Khulna Town Club in today's match.

Yellow cards: Jeremia (Muktijoddha) and Pradeep Barua (Feni Soccer Club).

TEAMS
MUKTIJODDHA: Titu, Ghansah, Arman (Saiful), Deen Mohammed, Enamul, Odafa, Rachid, Amin Rana (Rony), Tanvir, Jeremiah and Moni.

FENI SOCCER CLUB: Piru, Ramjan, Mostafizur, Pradeep, Jahangir, Jhontu, Kabir, Juku, Hanif (Nazmul), Shakil and Yusuf.

Referee: Abdul Hannan.