Brothers Union's bid to return to the title race suffered another blow when they failed to beat Farashganj for the second time in the competition after a goalless draw in the first leg.

Nigerian striker Elijah Junior converted a 13-minute penalty after to give the Oranges lead after Farashganj centre-back and captain Faisal tripped Shakil inside the area.

Syed Nayeemuddin's side, however, failed to hold on to the early advantage as the riversiders levelled on the stroke of the half hour with debutant African striker Opara Luxson Puma scoring with a placing shot after a combined attack. Puma came close to score against seconds before half time but Nizam made a fine save at the Brothers goal.

Brothers had to remain satisfied with 16 points from 11 outings as a spectacular header by Junior, the second highest scorer with eight goals, was denied by substitute goalie Azam in the last minute.

Farashganj, third from bottom, now have 11 points after as many rounds.

In a battle of Abahanis at the Khulna Stadium, the home side failed to take revenge of their first-leg loss in the Chittagong trip.

Tajul put Khulna Abahani ahead after 33 minutes but Liberian forward Dolly Abraham's 41-minute strike secured Chittagong Abahani's only draw in the league so far. The visitors had won 2-0 when they clashed in the port city.

On 11 points, Khulna Abahani edged Farashganj by virtue of a better goal difference while Chittagong Abahani remained just above the base of the table with ten points.