Bashundhara Kings extended their dominance at the top of the Bangladesh Premier League with a convincing 2-0 victory over reigning champions Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Bashundhara Kings Arena on Friday. The win not only avenged their two defeats to Mohammedan last season but also strengthened their lead at the top of the table, taking their unbeaten run in the league to five wins and a draw from six matches, giving them 16 points – five clear of second-placed Fortis, who have 11 points from an equal number of games.
The match began at a high tempo, with both sides eager to make an early impact. Bashundhara drew first blood in the 15th minute when Rakib Hossain expertly converted a cross from Faisal Ahmed Fahim, who had left Shakil Ahad Tapu behind on the left flank. The strike sent the home fans into raptures and set the tone for the rest of the match. Moments later, Emmanuel Agbaji Toni had a header from Fahim’s corner drift over the bar, while Emmanuel Sander’s long-range effort in the 21st minute rattled the crossbar. Kings’ players Yusuf Ali and Taj Uddin also picked up yellow cards in the early stages, highlighting the intensity of the encounter.
Mohammedan had their moments, notably in the 33rd minute when Samuel Boateng missed a golden opportunity from a well-placed cross by Mahbub, and again in the 43rd minute when a scramble from a corner was brilliantly dealt with by Kings goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico, who made two consecutive saves to keep his side in the lead.
The second half saw the Kings attempt to extend their advantage, bringing on Kuba Mitchell to bolster the attack. Despite several close chances, including Mitchell’s effort in the 75th minute and Shahriar Imon being denied by Mohammedan goalkeeper Sujan Hossain in the 82nd, the breakthrough only came in added time. Dorielton controlled a long pass from Sohel Rana Sr, outpaced Mohammedan captain Mehedi Hasan Mithu, and calmly slotted the ball past Sujan Hossain to seal the victory.
The match also saw a moment of controversy when Mohammedan midfielder Muzaffar Muzaffarov struck Sohel Rana with his hand, earning a straight red card and sparking chaos on the field. His teammates had to intervene to escort him off, but with the result already decided, it did not affect the outcome.
Meanwhile, the day’s other fixtures saw bottom-placed Arambagh KS stun Brothers Union 2-0, while Fortis FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Rahmatganj Muslim Friends and Society in Munshiganj.
