BKSP goalkeeper Mustaq dives to cut a cross toward Brothers Union striker Farhad (L) during their Citycell Federation Cup match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.Photo: STAR

BKSP brightened their chances to upset one of the Group C giants for a quarterfinal berth of the Citycell Federation Cup when the boys from Savar held defending champions Brothers Union to a goalless draw yesterday.
Having stunned B. League side Sheikh Russel 1-0 in their group opener, BKSP once again put on a stubborn show against Wasim Iqbal's men in yesterday's first match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
The race for the last eight from the group, meanwhile, remained wide open after Sheikh Russel's 2-0 win over Victoria later on the day at the same venue.
BKSP are level with Brothers on four points after two rounds while Russel are following them closely with three.
Russel, who rode on goals from former international Alfaz Ahmed and Moroccan striker Touati Youness either side of the break on way to their first win in the competition, now must beat Brothers -- unless the Savar sport institute slip against rank-outsiders Victoria in their last game -- in the group finale to ensure their passage to the quarterfinals.
Farashganj, meanwhile, entered the last eight from Group A with a solitary goal victory against Dhaka Wanderers. Enamul slotted the lone goal for at the Gazipur Stadium for Farashganj, who had crushed Khulna Abahani 3-0 in their opener.
With six points, the Dhaka riversiders' game against Muktijoddha only have significance for the latter who must collect one point. A loss for four-point Muktijoddha would open up the chance for Wanderers -- on one point -- to make the quarters with a two-goal margin win against bottom-table and pointless Khulna Abahani.
The Oranges drew early blood but veteran striker Farhad, who did well to get near a through by Tapu inside the BKSP box after eight minutes, was denied by the stretched hands of goalkeeper Mustaq.
Two minutes later, Matiur Munna picked up Tapu with a right-side cross but the latter volleyed the ball over.
BKSP, who once against relied on quick counter attacks, threatened to score after 20 minutes when Sabuj, making most of a defence lapse, got through Brothers' three-man central defence. But Zia rushed out of his line to slow the pace of the shot with his palm, allowing Ariful to clear the danger.
Six minutes later, Tapu's header on a corner by Shakil went agonisingly close of the near post.
BKSP created better chances in the second half but substitute Sabbir shot just wide from 20 yards ten minutes after resumption.
Pranab then curled a freekick from the right but Zia was alert enough to tip it over. The resulting corner provided Pranab another shot -- very powerful -- at goal but Zia kept the ball out of his area.
Brothers, who made all three changes, came close to snatch a late winner but Abdullah Parez's long-range effort missed the mark in the 72nd minute.