Arambagh hold MSC

Struggling Mohamme-dan SC came from behind to play out a 2-2 draw against neighbouring Arambagh KS in their JB Bangladesh Premier League fixture at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Smarting from a 1-2 defeat at the hands of archrivals Abahani in their previous match, the Black and Whites were expected to put up an improved showing. However, another dismal performance saw them lucky to escape with a point after a goalless draw in their previous encounter.

The youthful Arambagh side looked better on the pitch and deservedly took the lead in the 16th minute through a tap in by Sajidur Rahman before Towhidul Alam Sabuj levelled the game with a header off an Ismail Bangoura chip in the 33rd minute.

After resumption, Mohammedan enjoyed the lion's share of possession but failed to breach Arambagh's backline and conceded the lead against the run of play. Having availed a defensive fumble, substitute Jafar Iqbal danced past goalkeeper Nehal and slotted home in the 73rd minute.

Three minutes from time, Mohammedan hit back again as Patrice drove a powerful grounder from outside the box after picking up a headed pass from Bangoura.

A ninth draw in 19 matches leaves the Black and Whites in 10th position of the 12-team table with 18 points while Arambagh raised their tally to 22 to remain seventh.

In the day's other match, Uttar Baridhara handed Muktijoddha Sangsad a one-goal defeat with Brazilian Leonardo Lima's 66th minute strike separating the sides.

A fifth win helped Baridhara take a three-point lead over bottom-placed Feni Soccer and climb up to 11th with 17 points, while Muktijoddha are in the fifth position with 26 points.