Emeka Darlington scored a third-minute goal as defending Champions Abahani beat Sheikh Russel KC 1-0 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday to go joint top of the Bangladesh Premier League table alongside league leaders Chittagong Abahani.

The Nigerian headed in Wali Faisal's floating cross from an unmarked position to extend the Sky Blues' winning streak to four matches and lead them to joint-top with 36 points from 16 matches. They have, however, played a match more than Chittagong Abahani. Sheikh Russel, with their sixth defeat in 16 matches, remained in sixth position with 20 points.

Despite playing without their head coach, the Dhanmondi giants had registered a 4-1 victory over Team BJMC in their previous match. And they looked to be in similar vein of form when Emeka danced into the box in the first minute of play, only to earn a yellow card by taking a dive. The Nigerian, however, made amends two minutes later, expertly heading in Wali's cross.

Although the Sky Blues dominated possession, they failed to create anymore clear-cut chances in the first half, with Emeka's header cleared off the goal line in the 42nd minute and Emon Mahmud's long-range attempt in the additional time being the highlights of the remainder of the half.

Abahani came out of blocks in a more dominant fashion after the break, with Rubel Mia, Saad Uddin and Emeka keeping the Sheikh Russel defenders on their toes with some incisive moves, but all their efforts came to nothing in face of some dogged defending from Shafiqul Islam Manik's charges. But going forward, Sheikh Russel hardly posed any threat as the Sky Blues left the field with full points.

Meanwhile, 10-man Farashganj Sporting Club moved off the foot of the table with a 1-0 victory against Team BJMC in the day's second match. Both sides failed to make much of an impression on a rain-soaked and sluggish pitch, but a spot-kick earned in the 62nd minute when Mahmudul Biswas was brought down by Team BJMC defender Mohammad Khokon proved to be decisive.

Lamine Camara stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick with aplomb. Interestingly, Team BJMC earned a penalty too just six minutes later, but substitute Ismail Bangoura drove the ball woefully wide of target. The win took Farashganj to 11th position with 10 points while Team BJMC remained in seventh position with 16 points.