Bashundhara Kings and Fortis FC both dropped points on Friday across four venues in the Bangladesh Football League, while Dhaka Abahani and Mohammedan Sporting Club took full advantage with convincing wins to reshape the title race.
Mohammedan rediscover winning form under new guidance
The standout tie of Friday was Mohammedan versus Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club’s, which carried extra significance following the recent departure of head coach Alfaz Ahmed. Under new interim charge of Abdul Qayyum Sentu, Mohammedan responded emphatically, dismantling Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club 3-0 to signal the beginning of a new era at the club.
Abahani edge past Police despite late controversy
Abahani secured a 3-1 victory over Bangladesh Police FC in Mymensingh, though the win was not without incident. The match ended on a sour note as forward Shekh Morsalin was dismissed following a second yellow card, awarded after a late-match scuffle involving a foul. Police defender Sharif Nirab had also been reduced to ten men earlier, receiving his second yellow in the 70th minute for pulling Morsalin back from behind.
Abahani had broken the deadlock in the 33rd minute, when Emeka Ogbah produced a stunning backheel flick from Souleymane Diabaté’s incisive cross to put his side ahead. However, Police responded swiftly, with an unmarked MS Bablu drawing the sides level with a composed finish in first-half stoppage time.
The second half saw Abahani assert their dominance. In the 58th minute, the goalkeeper could only parry Morsalin’s driven effort, and Al Amin was quickest to react, bundling the loose ball into the net. Nirab’s subsequent dismissal further tilted the contest in Abahani’s favour.
Morsalin then added a third in the 78th minute, coolly converting with his right foot after Diabaté’s shot had been blocked. Despite the comfortable scoreline, Morsalin’s late red card ensured the victory came with an unwanted footnote.
Kings pegged back in Munshiganj as red cards pile up
In Munshiganj, Kings were held to a 1-1 draw by Rahmatganj in a contest that produced two further red cards — bringing the day’s total to four. Kings’ Biswanath Ghosh and Rahmatganj’s Abhishek Limbu were both sent off.
Rahmatganj’s Ernest Boateng went close in the 9th minute, unable to beat the last defender after latching onto a through ball. Kings made the breakthrough three minutes later. Goalkeeper Ahsan Habib could only parry Nabib Newaz Jibon’s effort, and Shahriar Imon reacted sharply to convert the rebound.
Rahmatganj drew level in the 42nd minute through a well-worked goal. Rajan Howlader delivered a precise cross from the left, and Boateng met it with an assured header to beat Anisur Rahman Zico.
Kings dominated possession after the interval and created the better opportunities. In the 47th minute, Emon’s header from Rakib’s cross dropped invitingly inside the box, but the goalkeeper cleared before Jibon could apply a finish. Rakib then squandered a one-on-one opportunity in the 65th minute.
Kings’ task became considerably harder in the 67th minute when Bishwanath received his second yellow card for fouling Solomon King Confar as he advanced along the right flank. Rahmatganj were also reduced to ten men in the 81st minute, with Abhishek Limbu shown a second yellow for a foul on Faysal Ahmed Fahim. The game ended honours even.
At the same time, Fortis wasted their chance. They played out a goalless draw against Arambagh Krira Sangha and failed to close the gap at the top. Fortis controlled spells but lacked cutting edge. They moved the ball without purpose and never found the final pass to break a stubborn defence.
Bashundhara Kings remain top of the table despite their dropped points, sitting on 28 points from 13 matches. Abahani and Fortis FC are in joint second place on 25 points apiece, whilst Rahmatganj occupy fourth with 19 points.
Mohammedan’s victory offered some relief, but their league position tells a difficult story. Sixth place with 14 points from 13 matches reflects a campaign that has been riddled with inconsistency, and much work remains if they are to mount any meaningful challenge in the second half of the season.
