The domestic Premier Football League returned after a 22-day break, with three matches played on the opening day of the second round. Attention centred on the separate matches of Abahani and Mohammedan, with both traditional powerhouses dropping points. Abahani returned from Munshiganj without any points, while Mohammedan earned a single point against Brothers Union in Comilla.
Abahani had drawn 0-0 against Rahmatganj in the first round. In their second match, the six-time Premier League champions suffered defeat. Historically, encounters between Abahani and Brothers Union were closely contested. In recent years, Brothers Union had rarely beaten Abahani, making the 2-1 victory particularly satisfying for the visitors.
Brothers Union took the lead in the fourth minute when their Nepali forward Anjan Bista capitalised on a defensive lapse from Abahani on the right flank. In the second half, Abahani conceded a second goal after a defender fouled a Brothers player inside the box, prompting referee Bituraj Barua to award a penalty, which was successfully converted.
Abahani pressed for a goal in the final 15 minutes, and during injury time, Malian forward Sulemana Diabate scored his first goal for the club. The strike reduced the deficit but could not prevent the defeat. After two matches, Abahani have only one point, while Brothers Union sit on three.
On the same day, Mohammedan secured a point in Gazipur. The Black and Whites opened the scoring in the 19th minute through Rahim Uddin. Mohammedan maintained the lead until half-time, but Bablu equalised for Police in the fourth minute of the second half. The match ended 1-1, leaving Mohammedan with just one point from two games. Police, with four points, occupy second place in the table.
Rahmatganj also recorded a 2-0 victory over Fakirerpool Youngmens in Manikganj. Both goals came in the second half, with Adu scoring in the 52nd minute and Rajon Howlader adding another during injury time. Rahmatganj now have four points and lead on goal difference.
Two further matches are scheduled for the second round. Fortis face Bashundhara Kings, while PW take on Arambagh. A win for Fortis would place them at the top of the table with six points, whereas a draw would see them join Rahmatganj and Police on four points. Bashundhara Kings could also rise to four points with a win, joining Rahmatganj and Police. In the other fixture, the victor will also reach four points, creating a tightly contested race at the top of the table.
