Holders Bashundhara Kings bagged their second victory of the ongoing ABG Bashundhara Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2023-24 as they beat Chittagong Abahoni Ltd by 4-1 in their first-leg match at the Bashundhara Kings Arena on Saturday.
The match was scheduled to be held at the home venue of Ctg Abahoni -- Shaheed Bir Sreshtha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj, but due to the upcoming national election 2023 the venue was shifted to the Kings’ den.
At home, Kings got a lead while Brazilian forward Dorielton Nascimento scored the quickest goal of the ongoing season with a header off a long pass from defender Tutul Hosain Badsha in the 2nd minute.
But Nigerian forward Abu Abolaji Azeez scored the equalizer off a pass from his compatriot Ojukwu David Ifegwu in the 10th minute.
Kings’ forward Rakib Hossain broke the tie with an impressive left-footed shot in the 29th minute while Dorielton extended the margin with his second goal in the 40th minute.
Kings, who sealed the fate of the match before the half time, could add some more goals into their scoreline but their poor finishers wasted a lot of chances.
However, Brazilian skipper Robson Robinho finally scored a goal converting a penalty in the 87th minute that extended the margin to 4-1 before the final whistle.
Kings have reached the top spot of the BPL with 6 points from two wins while Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra Ltd and Mohammedan Sporting Club are jointly sharing the second spot with 4 points from one win and one draw each.
In the day’s other matches, Fortis Football Club beat Dhaka Abahani Ltd by 1-0 at the Muktijuddho Sriti Stadium in Rajshahi and Lt Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club beat Police Football Club by 1-0 at the Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh.
Ukrainian striker Valeriy Gryshyn scored the match winner for Fortis in the 37th minute and Police defender Isa Faysal struck a suicidal goal that confirmed win for Sheikh Jamal after the barren first half in the 55th minute.
Sheikh Jamal and Fortis climbed up in the table and are sharing the third spot along with Police FC with 3 points from one win and one defeat each.
Dhaka Abahani have slipped to fifth and are sharing the same spot with Brothers Union Ltd with one point from one draw and one defeat each -- one point behind of Rahamatganj Muslim Friends Society.
Ctg Abahoni at the bottom of the table as they are yet to open their account.
Meanwhile, the BPL will resume after the 12th Parliamentary Election on January 12 with four matches.
BDST: 2100 HRS, DEC 30, 2023
MN
