Sheikh Mohammad Aslam
Mohammad Aslam (Bengali: মোহাম্মদ আসলাম), popularly known as Aslam, is a former Bangladeshi footballer. He played as a specialist striker and was one of the most lethal marksmen in the Dhaka domestic league during the 1980s and 1990s. He gained his greatest fame while playing for Abahani Krira Chakra, one of Dhaka's two major football clubs. He was a linchpin of several league-winning Abahani sides, and was the league's leading scorer several times.[1]
He later worked for the Bangladesh Football Federation.[2][3]
Early days
Aslam started his career with Victoria SC in the late 70's as a central defender. It was Abdur Rahim, the shrewd coach of Victoria, who saw the potential of a striker in him. And he made his marks as a striker in the 1979 season. At the end of the season all the three big teams in the League, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Abahani and BJMC were after him, and eventually he signed for BJMC. He stayed at BJMC for the 1980-82 period, scoring freely.
Glory with Abahani
Aslam reached the zenith of his career while playing for Abahani from mid 80's to the early 90's. At Abahani, he had Salahuddin, Emily, PremLal(from SL) and Karim Alavi (from Iraq) as his striker partner at different stages.
In international matches
In Dec. 1980, Aslam played for the national U-19 team Asian Youth qualifier at Dacca. Salam Murshedi was his striker partner. Other members of the team included, Lal Mohammad (GK), Alo, Ajmat, Shapan, Johny, Bablu, Ashish, Anwar, Gaffar, Wasim, Mossabbir etc. The U-19 team did well and finished runners up (behind Qatar) and qualified at the main event. The highlight of the tournament from Bangladesh was the hatrick by Aslam in a 5-1 drubbing of Nepal. In March 1981, Aslam and the other members of the youth team participated in the 1st President Gold Cup football at Dacca as the Bangladesh(Red)team. The team reached the finals after beating a North Korea side in penalties (after a 1-1 draw); but lost 2-0 team to South Korea in the final. Soon Aslam became a regular with the main national team, and remained so throughout the 1980s.[4]
| Sheikh Aslam Important goals in his career | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Match | Teams | Goals | Result |
| Charity Match 1979(Dacca) | Mohammedan Sporting Club* vs Mohammedan S.C. (Kolkata) | 1 | 1-1 |
| Asian U-19 Qualifier 1980 (Dacca) | Bangladesh Vs Nepal | 3 (Hattrick) | Bangladesh wins 5-1 |
| 3rd President's Gold Cup Football 1983 (Dhaka) | Bangladesh (Red)** Vs South Korea | 2 | 2-2 |
| SAFF Games Football Final 1985 (Dhaka) | Bangladesh Vs India | 1 | 1-1 (India wins gold after a tie-breaker) |
| 4th President's Gold Cup Football 1986 (Dhaka) | Bangladesh(Red) Vs TPC (Finland) | 3 (Hattrick) | Bangladesh(Red) wins 3-1 |
| IFA Shield 1986 (Calcutta) | Abahani Vs Mohammedan S.C. (Kolkata) | 1 | Calcutta MSC wins 2-1 |
| World Cup Qualifier 1989 (Dhaka) | Bangladesh Vs Iran | 1 | Iran wins 2-1 |
| 6th President's Gold Cup Football (Final)1989 (Dhaka) | Bangladesh (Red) Vs South Korea | 1 | 1-1 Bangladesh (Red) wins the title after a tie breaker |
- Aslam was a Victoria SC player at the time. But since this was a charity match, Victoria authorities gave him permission to play for the Mohammedan Sporting Club.
- In 1983, 1986 and 1989, Bangladesh (Red) represented the main national team.
External links
- http://bdnews24.com/sport/2005/04/07/bff-to-honour-10-legendary-footballers
- http://www.givemesport.com/513771-sheikh-mohammed-aslam-interview-bangladesh-legend-reflects-on-career
- http://www.rsssf.com/tables/86q.html
- http://www.rsssf.com/tables/90q.html
References
- ↑ (President Gold Cup Football, Dhaka) (Retrieved on 2016-06-03)
- ↑ Football season kicks-off on September 10
- ↑ Probe committee submits report to BFF chief
- ↑ (President Gold Cup Football, Dhaka) (Retrieved on 2016-06-03)