Bashundhara Kings reclaimed the Bangladesh Football League title with a round to spare on Friday, defeating Abahani Limited 2-0 in Cumilla to end their rivals’ hopes of a first league crown since the 2017-18 season. Goals from Dorielton Gomes, who converted a penalty, and Sohel Rana Senior, who curled in a magnificent long-range effort, secured the championship and moved Kings level with Abahani on six league titles in the professional era.
It was sweet revenge for Kings, who had lost the title to Mohammedan last season. With 38 points from 17 matches, they are now champions for the sixth time since the league was rebranded as a professional competition in 2007.
Both sides approached the match knowing exactly what was at stake. Kings needed a win to seal the title with a game to spare. Abahani needed at least a draw to keep the championship race alive until the final round. What followed was an open and attacking contest that took time to produce the decisive moments.
Abahani’s defenders kept a close watch on Dorielton throughout the first half, limiting his influence and keeping Kings at bay. The closest either side came before the break was a powerful strike from Emeka Ogbah, whose fierce effort in first-half stoppage time was punched clear by Kings goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon.
Kings also had a goal disallowed in the 42nd minute. Sohel Rana Senior’s bullet shot found the net after a defensive mix-up involving Mitul Marma and Asaduzzaman Bablu, but the referee ruled it out for offside.
The match turned in the 71st minute. Dorielton’s through ball split the Abahani defence and found Foysal Ahmed Fahim, who was brought down in the box by Bablu’s challenge. The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation, and Dorielton stepped up to convert calmly, taking his tally for the season to 17 goals and extending his lead at the top of the league’s scoring charts.
The celebration had barely settled when Kings doubled their advantage. Sohel Rana Senior collected a pass from Sohel Rana Junior and, from outside the penalty area, drove a magnificent diagonal left-footed shot into the far corner. It was a goal of the highest quality and ended any lingering hope of an Abahani comeback.
Abahani pushed desperately for a way back into the match and came close in the 84th minute when Emeka’s shot clipped the outside of the post. But Kings held firm to the final whistle, triggering celebrations that reflected the scale of what had been achieved.
Kings’ title triumph strengthens their bid for a domestic treble this season. They had already won the Challenge Cup and now hold the league. Attention turns to Tuesday’s Federation Cup final against Mohammedan, where a third trophy in a single season awaits.
Mohammedan suffered a setback in their own preparations for Tuesday’s Federation Cup final, losing 1-0 to Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society thanks to a late goal from Emmanuel Boateng. The result was a reminder that Mohammedan, despite their recent resurgence under new coach Abdul Kaiyum Sentu, remain capable of inconsistency.
Police FC beat Arambagh Krira Sangha 2-0 to strengthen their own standing. PWD defeated Fakirapool Youngmen’s 1-0, while Fortis FC beat Brothers Union 2-0 thanks to goals from Murshad Ali and Pa Omar Babu.
Fortis’s win has tightened the race for second place significantly. They now sit level with Abahani on 34 points, setting up a fascinating final round. Police FC are fourth with 26 points, Rahmatganj fifth with 22 and Mohammedan sixth with 20.
At the bottom, Fakirapool’s relegation has been confirmed after they finished round 17 with just 10 points from 17 matches. Arambagh, on 14 points in ninth, face the greatest danger of joining them. PWD, in eighth on 16 points, are also not yet safe.
