Chittagong Abahani held again

Chittagong Abahani dropped points for the second time but kept their lead in the Bangladesh Premier League after playing out a goalless draw against Saif Sporting Club at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Despite two draws, last edition's runners-up Chittagong Abahani sit atop the 12-team table with 26 points from 10 matches while Saif SC remain fourth with five draws -- four in a row -- having 19 points from 10 outings.

The port city side came into the match on a strong position with three successive wins over Sheikh Jamal, Brothers Union and Mukitjoddha Sangsad but they put on a below-par performance against Saif SC, a team which is sponsored by Chittagong Abahani's football committee chairman.

However, it was Chittagong Abahani who created the first chance of the match in the 18th minute when Zahid Hossain released the ball for striking duo Towhidul Alam Sabuj and Afeez Oladipo, but both of them tried to capitalise on the opportunity and the chance went wobbling, much to the relief of Saif SC goalkeeper Pappu Hossain.

Saif SC later controlled the midfield and Matin Mia darted into the box from the right with goalkeeper Ashraful Islam to beat, but the U-19 team player floated the ball over the crosspiece in the 38th minute.

One minute from the break, Chittagong Abahani all but broke the deadlock when Zahid curled in a corner-kick but Pappu thwarted it coming out of his line.

After resumption, Saif established their control on the game and created at least three chances to score but they either squandered those or Abahani goalkeeper Ashraful foiled the attempts to keep his sheet clean for the fifth successive time.

Saif SC winger Jewel Rana and Chittagong Abahani midfielder Masuk Mia collided inside the box over the control of the ball which went to unmarked Colombian striker Valencia Olaya, who let loose a powerful shot but was incredibly denied by Chittagong Abahani goalkeeper Ashraful in the 76th minute.

It was again Saif SC who saw a header from Valencia go narrowly wide in the 85th minute and three minutes later, the Colombian raced into the box to muster a curling shot to the far post but he was again denied by Ashraful.

Saif SC coach Ryan Northmore and team leader Kim Tyrone Grant were sent off in the dying moments by referee Jalaluddin, who later booked two more players of Saif SC following arguments with him after the final whistle.