Bangla team oust Bagan from Shield

Kolkata: Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club dashed Mohun Bagan’s hope for an elusive trophy as the Bangladeshi outfit ousted local favourites 1-0 win to set up a semifinal clash against East Bengal in the 118th IFA Shield here on Sunday.
Former Boca Juniors forward Sony Norde converted a free-kick in the 23rd minute to dash Mohun Bagan’s hopes even as they struggled to convert their chances up front without Odafa Okolie. With two wins, Dhanmondi who defeated United Sikkim in the previous outing finished second with six points behind group toppers Mohammedan Sporting (7).
As per a revised schedule, the back-to-back semis will be held on Tuesday, the third place play-off on Wednesday and the summit clash on Saturday.
In the absence of the injured Odafa, Mohun Bagan struggled for possession while Dhanmondi dished out a spirited display with the Haitian striker leading the charge.
Mohun Bagan needed a draw to advance into the semis but CS Sabeeth was not fed with balls in the attacking third. Norde’s curling free-kick kissed the far post before finding the back of the net as Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Shilton Paul was clueless.
Dhanmondi kept on attacking while Mohun Bagan coach Karim Bencherifa tried to bolster the attack bringing in Shankar Oraon and Souvik Chakraborty.
But there was no danger to the visitors as Mohun Bagan looked a disjointed side with mispasses galore.
The Bangladeshi outfit’s attack was spearheaded by Haitian Norde, Wedson Anselme and Nigerian Emeka Darlington while captain Mamunul Islam manned the midfield.
In their last tournament, Mohun Bagan were knocked out of the Federation Cup going down to Churchill Brothers in the semifinal.
They will now shift focus to I-League where also their chances are all but over as they are currently in sixth place in the 13-team table.
Meanwhile, United SC defeated Geylang International FC 2-1 to reach their third straight Shield semi.
Baldeep Singh and Eric Brown were the scorers. (PTI)