With jerseys proudly bearing the word “Champions” and the years of past league triumphs stitched alongside, Mohammedan Sporting Club marked a historic moment on Friday—clinching their maiden Bangladesh Premier League title in the professional era after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Brothers Union in Cumilla.
The Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium turned into a sea of celebration as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over players, coaches, and officials. The title may have been confirmed weeks earlier, but Friday’s penultimate fixture was earmarked for the trophy presentation—a symbolic homecoming as Mohammedan played their final game at their designated home ground this season.
For a club with an 89-year history and a fervent fan base, the league title marks the end of a 23-year wait to return to the pinnacle of domestic football. It also stands as their first championship in the BPL’s professional era, bringing renewed pride to Motijheel and its legendary football institution.
The handover ceremony was led by League Committee chairman and BFF senior vice-president Imrul Hasan, who presented the trophy and medals to jubilant Mohammedan players and staff. The moment was further heightened by scenes of unity and pride as foreign recruits draped their national flags—from Mali, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Burkina Faso—over their shoulders, symbolising the multinational spirit behind this title-winning campaign.
In a classy gesture, Brothers Union players lined up before kick-off to give a guard of honour to the new champions and to veteran goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana, who announced his retirement from top-tier football. Rana’s career came full circle in emotional fashion as he bowed out against the very club where it all began. He featured for the first 45 minutes before receiving garlands and crests from representatives of Brothers, Mohammedan, Abahani, the BFF, and the Cumilla District Football Association.
On the pitch, the match lived up to its billing. Brothers Union took a surprise lead through Aboubacar Sidiki in the 10th minute, but Mohammedan responded with a powerful header from Mehedi Hasan in the 25th. Captain Soleymane Diabate then turned the tide with a brace—first in the 38th minute from a corner and again in the 69th with a smart volley. However, Brothers Union were not done. Mfon Udoh and Jewel Rana netted late goals in the 71st and 88th minutes, respectively, to salvage a dramatic draw.
Despite the dropped points, the result did little to dampen the celebrations. Smoke flares lit up the gallery, chants rang out from the Mohammedan ultras, and players basked in the adoration of fans who had waited over two decades for this day.
In Friday’s other fixture, Young Men’s Fakirerpool Club ensured survival in the top flight by beating Dhaka Wanderers 2-1. With the result, Wanderers were relegated, while Fakirerpool lived to fight another season.
For Mohammedan SC, however, Friday was about much more than results—it was a coronation long overdue. With the trophy in hand and a new chapter written in bold, the Black and Whites have finally reclaimed their rightful place at the summit of Bangladeshi football.