Abahani–Mohammedan matches always carry added excitement, and today's first clash of the season in the Bangladesh Football League was no different. Mohammedan scored twice in the first half and added another after the break. Despite trailing by three goals, Abahani fought back with two of their own. In the end, the reigning league champions Mohammedan clinched a 3–2 victory.
This is Mohammedan's first win of the season. In their previous two matches, the black-and-whites suffered one defeat and managed one draw. Abahani, meanwhile, have now played three matches with two losses and one draw.
At Cumilla's Shaheed Dhirendranath Stadium, Mohammedan took the lead in the 20th minute through Rahim Uddin. Emmanuel Keita doubled the margin in the 32nd minute, celebrating after turning in a looping ball from a Mozafar Mozafarov corner. The first goal stunned Abahani fans. From their own half, Mozafar Mozafarov sent a long pass forward. Samuel Boateng failed to break through the defence and lost possession.
Suddenly, Rahim Uddin darted in from behind to snatch the ball. Abahani's goal was left completely exposed, with Mitul Marma standing to one side of the post. Rahim gave him no chance, calmly slotting the ball into the net.
After the break, in the 58th minute, Boateng headed in a fine cross from Jahid Hasan to pull one back for Abahani. In the 72nd minute, Abahani hinted at a comeback when Papon Singh carried the ball from midfield and struck from outside the box to find the target.
In the 78th minute, an Al-Amin cross deflected off Mohammedan's defence, falling kindly for Sheikh Morsalin, who made no mistake. With the scoreline at 3–2, the contest became even more intense. Abahani created several late chances but failed to score again.
Last season, in the two league meetings between the sides, Mohammedan won once while the other ended in a goalless draw.
In the day's other matches, Bashundhara Kings beat Arambagh Krira Sangha 2–0 at Manikganj's Shaheed Miraz–Tapan Stadium. Police FC played out a goalless draw with Fortis FC, while Fakirerpool Young Men's Club lost 2–0 to Brothers Union.