Boateng hattrick propels Mohammedan

A brilliant hattrick from Samuel Boateng helped Mohammedan come from behind twice to beat Bangladesh Police 3-2 in a Group B encounter on the opening day of the Federation Cup at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla on Tuesday.

It was a much-needed win for Mohammedan, especially after their 4-1 defeat to Bashundhara Kings in the Challenge Cup last Friday.

Police fielded all six of their foreign recruits, including three SAARC players, and they looked threatening from the start, taking the lead in the ninth minute.

But it was Mohammedan's Ghanaian striker Boateng -- signed from Rahmatganj this season -- who stole the show. He first equalised before adding two more to firmly announce himself as the ideal replacement for Souleymane Diabate, who recently left the club.

"Boateng is a genuine striker who can score from opportunities. Today, he converted three out of four chances. I believe he will score more as the tournament progresses," Mohammedan coach Alfaz Ahmed told The Daily Star.

Alfaz also explained why the club signed Boateng.

"Boateng and Diabate are different types of players, but both have scoring ability. Boateng is a young and promising forward, and that's why we brought him in to replace Diabate," Alfaz added.

Meanwhile, at the Bashundhara Kings Arena, defending champions Bashundhara Kings surrendered a lead to draw 1-1 with Fortis FC. Defender Tariq Kazi's own goal cancelled out the 48th-minute strike from Brazilian Dorielton Gomes.

SCORELINE: 

Mohammedan SC                         3 - 2               Bangladesh Police FC

Samuel Boateng 11, 47, 73                                  Issa Faisal 9; Danilo

                                                                             Augusto 30

Bashundhara Kings                      1 - 1              Fortis FC

Dorielton Gomes 48                                             Tariq Kazi (OG): 85