Bashundhara Kings crushed Brothers Union 4-0 in Qualifier 1 to book their place in the Federation Cup final, with Rakib Hossain and Dorielton Gomes combining to dismantle the opposition at Bashundhara Kings Arena on Tuesday.
Rakib struck in just the third minute after Saad Uddin’s through pass found him in a tight angle, and he beat goalkeeper Ishaq Akand at the near post with a powerful finish. It was an early statement of intent from the title holders, who controlled the match despite a heavy, muddy pitch that made fluent football difficult.
Brothers showed some resistance in the first half, with Chigozie Samuel heading wide in the 12th minute and Kings goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon making sharp saves to deny both Samuel and Pakistani forward Shayak Dost. Dorielton also had a goal ruled out for a prior foul in the 27th minute before Ishaq produced a fine save to deny him again.
The second half told a different story. Brothers’ resistance cracked in the 70th minute when Abdullah Shah slipped while attempting to clear a cross from the right, leaving Dorielton to finish. Four minutes later the Brazilian struck again from another cross to put the result beyond doubt. Substitute Sabbir Hossain added a fourth late on with a powerful low shot from outside the box.
Despite their first defeat of the tournament, Brothers remain in contention. They will face Mohammedan Sporting Club in Qualifier 2 on 12 May, with the winner earning a place in the final against Kings.
Jewel brace sends Mohammedan through as Rahmatganj exit
In the day’s other match, Mohammedan Sporting Club kept their final hopes alive with a 3-0 win over Rahmatganj MFS in the eliminator at Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla, with Jewel Mia scoring twice in difficult conditions.
Rain had already made the pitch heavy before waterlogging set in, and play was halted for nearly an hour due to rain and lightning. When football resumed, Mohammedan were the sharper side.
Jewel opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a header from a corner, before doubling the lead shortly after the restart. Sourav Dewan sealed it in the 76th minute, capitalising on a rebound after the goalkeeper failed to hold a free-kick. The 11-time champions advance to face Brothers on 12 May for a spot in the final.
