Title aspirants Abahani had a close shave yesterday as they just managed a 1-1 draw against Muktijoddha Sangsad in their JB Bangladesh Premier League encounter at the Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium, Mymensingh.

Nigerian Sunday Chizoba provided Abahani the lead just 13-minutes into the game with a volley but only to have it cancelled out by Manjur Rahman Manik who equalized the margin with a perfect header in the 47th minute.

Both Muktijoddha Sangsad and Abahani respectively had the opportunity to top the 12-team table with an outright victory, but now the two must be content with sharing the lead with Chittagong Abahani as all three have an equal eight points from four outings.

Though the turnout of spectators was poor compared to the opening match, the match was wrought with spirit and speed as, despite conceding the lead, a much weaker Muktijoddha Sangsad managed to come back and hold the giants.

“We could have won the game but I am really happy with the results, especially the way my boys pressed their opponents comprising eight national players and three foreigners,” said Muktijoddha Sangsad coach Sentu, who announced they will now play the remaining matches with victory in mind.  

As Englishman Lee Tuck--termed the 'engine' of the midfield by coach George Kottan--remains suspended, four-time champions Abahani looked unimpressive except for the first and last few minutes. Defensive midfielders Pranotosh Kumar and fit-again Hemanta Vincent Biswas proved useless in Tuck's absence and hence were replaced by Shahedul Alam and Atiqur Rahman Fahad during the latter part of the second half.        

And even although Abahani went ahead in their first attempt, it was practically one-way traffic from Muktijoddha Sangsad as they levelled the margin during the second half after scrapping three chances in the first.

After scoring the equalizer, Manik raced to the gallery where his friends and fans welcomed him with placards bearing the name of the boys from Tangail.