Sheikh Morsalin, fresh off a match-winning goal against India in last week's AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, continued his scoring form but could not prevent Abahani from losing 3-2 to archrivals Mohammedan Sporting Club as the Bangladesh Football League (BFL) resumed on Monday.
The season's first clash between the country's two most popular clubs was crucial, with both sides having recorded a loss and a draw so far.
At Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium, defending champions Mohammedan raced to a 3-0 lead within an hour, only for Abahani to pull back two goals in quick succession.
Despite the late rally, Mohammedan extended their unbeaten streak to six league meetings against the archrivals, who had beaten them in last year's Federation Cup.
Abahani had opened the scoring against the run of play following a defensive error. Samuel Boateng's run down the right flank forced goalkeeper Mitul Marma off his line, but his pass to Abahani defender Yeasin Khan was intercepted by Rahim Uddin, who scored into an open net in the 20th minute.
Keke Emmanuel made it 2-0 in the 31st minute from a Mozaffarov corner, and Boateng sealed the 3-0 lead with a header in the 58th minute.
Abahani pulled back goals through Papon Singh and Morsalin in the 73rd and 78th minutes but could not find an equaliser.
The win allowed Mohammedan to close the gap on leaders Bashundhara Kings, who moved top with seven points after a 2-0 win over Arambagh KS in Manikganj.
Elsewhere, Brothers Union moved to second with six points following a 2-0 victory over Fakirerpoor Youngmen's Club in Munshiganj, while Fortis FC played out a goalless draw with Police FC at Dhaka's Kings Arena.