Arefin the difference again as DS edge through to quarters

Salty words, a caution, and yet another goalkeeping masterclass -- The Daily Star ticked all three boxes as they scraped past Dhaka Post 3-2 on penalties in their Round of 16 clash to book a place in the quarterfinals of the Kool BSJA Media Cup today.

Unable to break down a Dhaka Post side that were at the receiving end of a Nabid Yeasin hattrick last season, DS saw the contest drift into penalties. And once it did, goalkeeper Samsul Arefin Khan once again proved that comparisons with his idol Emiliano Martinez are anything but a stretch.

Much like the previous game against News 24, Arefin pulled off two crucial saves while also witnessing one Dhaka Post effort sail harmlessly over the bar during the shootout.

DS stuck to their tried-and-tested order in the shootout, with Tanjeel Rezwan, Nabid, and skipper Khalid Hossain converting with authority. However, this time, defender Orchid Chakma -- the hero of the previous match -- sent his effort into orbit. Fortunately for DS, Arefin was there to clean up the mess in a save-to-win moment.

That the game even reached penalties was far from the plan.

The new-look DS side that had dazzled with crisp passing and fluid attacking play in the first half of their opener looked a shadow of that version from the very beginning today.

A team comprising reporters and sub-editors -- individuals who earn their living dissecting errors and questioning the decision-making of professional footballers -- seemed to have lost clue. 

Despite repeated reminders from the referees, DS players struggled with the basics, repeatedly taking kick-ins from inside the pitch and attempting goalkicks without keeping the ball stationary.

Witnessing the unraveling in real time, Nabid -- known for throwing tantrums and losing his cool at the worst possible moments -- made sure his frustration echoed across the BFF Artificial Turf, voicing his displeasure at nearly every misplaced action by his teammates.

Dhaka Post threatened early in the first half, but defenders Orchid and Tanjeel stood firm to prevent any real danger.

At the other end, DS created chances too but lacked the finishing touch.

The best opportunity of the half fell to Khalid, who opted for a left-footed attempt upon spotting an opening. The effort drifted just wide, prompting an immediate review from Nabid, who suggested a pass to either himself or Orchid might have been the wiser editorial choice.

Tanjeel, usually composed, then tried his luck from distance with a powerful but wayward strike, leaving an unmarked Nabid in the box visibly unimpressed at being overlooked.

As the half drew to a close, Nabid -- channeling a rather familiar trait of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo -- made sure his frustration was clearly -- and loudly -- communicated to his teammates.

DS returned after the break with renewed urgency.

One attacking move saw Nabid’s left-footed effort saved, with the rebound falling to Mehedi Hasan, who fired wide. Soon after, Nabid nutmegged an opponent and threaded a precise pass to Mehedi from midfield, only for the opportunity to go begging once again.

DS continued to press, with Arefin picking out Nabid in midfield. A quick exchange with Khalid saw the No.9 break into the box before laying it off to Mehedi, who again failed to convert.

A shadow of his usual self, Mehedi was eventually replaced by Mukul, who nearly made an instant impact. However, in a rare departure from his team-first approach, Mukul chose to go solo instead of squaring it to an expectant Nabid.

That proved to be the tipping point.

Unable to contain himself any longer, Nabid let loose in his native Chattogram flavour, earning a well-deserved yellow card for his outburst.

Rashed Shumon and Sabbir Hossain rotated in and out, doing their part, but could not significantly influence a game where DS collectively struggled to find their rhythm.

Amid all the chaos, however, there was one undeniable positive.

For the first time, the Karwan Bazar-based outfit had all players present well before kickoff -- a logistical triumph in itself.

Sabbir, in particular, broke a half-a-decade-long habit of being the last to arrive, turning up an hour early while most of his teammates were still asleep.

Perhaps it was the fresh morning air that did the trick as Sabbir carried that calmness onto the pitch -- and later, into a familiar role off it. He offered Nabid a gentle counselling session, reminding him that while the team had progressed, things might have gone a lot smoother without his theatrics.