Bangladesh

Shamim Reza celebrated his 'premiership' return after two seasons with a brace in Abahani Krira Chakra's 3-1 win over Azad Sporting Club in the Green Delta Premier Hockey League opener yesterday.

The former national striker, who was banned after staying back in the United Kingdom while touring with the national hockey team a couple of years ago, put the defending champions ahead inside the first minute at the Maualana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium and scored another in the early second half. Newcomers Azad pulled one back through Mahbub but Musa Mia sealed Abahani's three points with a last-minute strike.


Shamim, who played in the Club Cup hockey tournament earlier this month, saw his ban lifted by the Bangladesh Hockey Federation prior to the league and made no mistake to score with a reverse hit after playmaker Musa drilled the ball through the rival defence inside the penalty area.


Abahani won four penalty corners in the next nine minutes but Azad's young goalkeeper Mehrab Hossain, who was in tremendous form throughout the 70 minutes, made two brilliant saves to keep the Sky Blues at bay.


With the youthful exuberance of BKSP players, Azad not only survived the pressure but also fought neck and neck with their mighty rivals. They came close to equalise halfway through the first half when Nannu got into the rival area down the left flank. But his final pass evaded Mominul who was unmarked in a scoring position.


Abahani had a golden chance to make it 2-0 just before the break but Musa's fierce reverse hit was kept out by Mehrab. The Azad keeper, however, could not stop a cool finish by Shamim who scored his second goal four minutes into the second half after receiving a pass from fellow forward Jimmy.


While the champs failed to beat their rival defence from as many as seven penalty corners, the Azad boys showed some innovation during their only penalty corner when Mahbub reduced the margin four minutes from time with a fine angular hit.


But experience prevailed as Musa finally utilised the last penalty corner when he dribbled two defenders before pushing the ball past Mehrab.


Abahani officials have decided to reward their best player of every league match to encourage the players and Musa received a VCD player as recognition of his performance in the opener.


Earlier, title sponsor Green Delta Insurance Company Limited's chairman Nurul Absar declared the ten-team meet open in a simple ceremony.


Mohammedan Sporting Club will take on Wari Club in today's first match (1.15pm) while Mariner Youngs Club face Sonali Bank in the other match (3pm).

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