Bashundhara Kings, the four-time Bangladesh Premier League champions, were eliminated from AFC Champions League 2023-24 as they conceded 0-2 goals defeat to Sharjah Football Club in the single-leg qualifying play-offs (preliminary round) at Sharjah Stadium Tuesday night.

Kings, who have been a familiar name in the AFC Cup – the second-tier club tournament in Asia – over the last few years, got an opportunity to play in the ongoing edition of the biggest club tournament in this continent – the Asian Champions League – as the first and lone Bangladeshi club.

Sharjah's Brazilian midfielder Luan Martins Pereira aka Luanzinho scored in each half to secure the victory for his side.
Luanzinho struck his first goal with a left-footer from the center of the box, off a pass from the former midfielder of Barcelona and Juventus Miralem Pjanic in the 45+3rd minute.

The Brazilian midfielder doubled the margin to confirm the victory for the hosts with a header, assisted by defender Abdulaziz Salim Alkaabi in the 71st minute.

Meanwhile, Kings will now play in the ongoing AFC Cup 2023-24.

They will also directly compete in the double-leg group stage (South Zone) against Indian outfit Odisha Football Club, Maldivian outfit Maziya Sports and Recreation Club and the qualifying play-offs winners between October to December.

Source Daily Sun

BDST: 0100 HRS, AUGUST 16, 2023
MSK