Bashundhara Kings made a disappointing start to their AFC Challenge League campaign, losing 3–2 to Oman’s Al Seeb in their opening group match in Kuwait on Sunday.
Despite facing a club from a more advanced footballing nation, the Bangladeshi champions put up a spirited performance and even took the lead through Rakib Hossain early in the second half. However, defensive lapses ultimately cost them the game.
Al Seeb went ahead in the seventh minute when Al Rawani capitalised on a defensive mix-up to score. Bashundhara Kings equalised three minutes before half-time through Brazilian midfielder Raphael Augusto, who calmly slotted home despite protests for offside from the Omani side. The first half ended 1–1.
The Kings started the second half brightly and went ahead thanks to a superb strike from Rakib Hossain, who fired a curling shot from outside the box between two defenders and beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.
However, the lead lasted only seven minutes. Poor marking by defender Taj Uddin allowed an Al Seeb forward to control the ball inside the area and score, leaving goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon helpless.
The decisive blow came in the 77th minute when another defensive error proved costly. A cross from the right flank was not dealt with by Sadh Uddin or the centre-backs, and Al Maqbali pounced to send the ball into the net, sealing victory for the Omani side.
Bashundhara Kings will now look to bounce back in their next group fixture as they aim to keep their qualification hopes alive.
