The Traditional Black and White Outfits Mohammedan Sporting Club moved a step closer to yet another Federation Cup final with a commanding 3-0 win over Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society in the second qualifying match at the Cumilla District Stadium.
The black-and-whites, 11-time champions of the competition, produced a composed and clinical display against their Old Dhaka rivals. Forward Jewel Mia emerged as the chief architect of the triumph, netting twice to steer his side into the third qualifying round.
Mohammedan drew first blood in the 28th minute when Jewel Mia found the net with a well-taken effort, ensuring his side carried a slender yet significant lead into the interval. The momentum remained firmly with Abdul Kaiyum Sentu's men after the restart, as Jewel doubled the advantage in the 53rd minute, effectively placing one foot in the next round.
Rahmatganj struggled to mount any meaningful response, and Mohammedan sealed the contest in the 76th minute when Saurav Dewan added a third, putting the result beyond doubt.
With this win, Mohammedan now set up a decisive third qualifying clash against Brothers Union, with a place in the final at stake. A win there would carry them into yet another title decider, rekindling memories of their dramatic 2023 triumph when they ended a 14-year drought by overcoming Abahani Limited Dhaka in a tense penalty shootout.
Domestically, however, the Motijheel-based outfit have endured a turbulent league campaign, falling well behind in the Bangladesh Premier League title race. The managerial shift from Alfaz Ahmed to Sentu has yielded mixed results, leaving the Federation Cup as their last realistic avenue for silverware this season.
