Syed Ali Raza scored twice to give Brothers Union their first win of the Bangladesh Football League season, beating Abahani Limited 2-1 in Gopalganj on Friday and handing the Dhaka side their first defeat after four matches.
The Pakistani forward opened the scoring in the first half before restoring Brothers’ lead after Robiul Hasan had equalised for Abahani following the break.
Brothers took advantage of a defensive mistake to go ahead midway through the first half. A long ball from their own half caught the Abahani defence out, allowing Ali Raza to collect possession and guide a simple finish into the net.
Abahani went into the interval trailing by a goal but responded after the restart. A planned free-kick routine created the opening for Robiul Hasan, whose low left-footed effort brought the teams level at 1-1.
Abahani pushed forward in search of a winner, but their attacking approach left space for Brothers to exploit. Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan delivered a long pass towards the penalty area, and Ali Raza moved quickly into the box.
Abahani defender Assaduzzaman Bablu failed to clear the danger, giving the Pakistani forward the chance to finish calmly and put Brothers back in front.
The goal proved decisive as Brothers held on for a first league victory of the campaign.
The match also saw both teams reduced to 10 men. In the 61st minute, Abahani forward Okachi pushed Brothers’ Brazilian defender Santana. Santana retaliated, and the referee sent both players off with straight red cards.
Abahani goalkeeper Mahfuz Hasan Pritom, who started in place of Mitul Marma, could not prevent the defeat. Although he was partly at fault for the opening goal, he also made two good saves during the match.
The result ended Abahani’s unbeaten start after a draw followed by two consecutive victories in their first three matches.
Brothers, meanwhile, had drawn twice and lost once in their opening three games. Ali Raza’s double finally delivered their first win of the season.
