Bashundhara Kings were seconds away from opening their Bangladesh Football League title defence with a win. Instead, a late header from Shamim Yasir denied the champions all three points as Arambagh fought back for a 1-1 draw in Gopalganj.
Kings had taken control in the 32nd minute when Anjan Bista converted a penalty. The Nepali forward was making his first appearance for the club after joining the reigning champions this season.
But the lead never felt completely safe as Arambagh grew into the match after half-time. They created several chances and forced Kings goalkeeper Pappu Hossain into a string of important saves.
Pappu looked set to be the hero. He kept Arambagh at bay throughout the second half and had stopped everything that came his way. Then came the final minute of eight added minutes.
Musa delivered the ball into the box from the left and Shamim rose highest to send a powerful header beyond Pappu. The goalkeeper got a hand to the direction of the ball but could not keep it out.
It was the only time Pappu was beaten all afternoon. It was also enough to take two points away from Kings. The match also marked the debuts of two more Nepal internationals. Defender Rohit Chand and forward Manish Dangi made their first appearances for Kings, with Chand also handed the captaincy.
The draw came after a difficult build-up for the champions. Kings were under 14 FIFA transfer bans before clearing all of them and completing their squad on September 3, the final day of player registration.
Their squad has also undergone major changes. Star goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico, defender Saad Uddin, midfielder Sohel Rana and forwards Faisal Ahmed Fahim and Shahriar Emon have left the club.
Kings were further weakened for the opener by the absence of several regulars. Topu Barman and Bishwanath Ghosh were unavailable, while Mehedi Hasan Srabon, Sohel Rana, Mohammad Hridoy and Rakib Hossain were with the national team.
