Coming from 0-1 goal behind, title holders Bashundhara Kings crushed giant killer Rahamatganj Muslim Friends Society by 4-1 goals in their first-leg match of the ongoing ABG Bashundhara Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2023-24 at their den Bashundhara Kings Arena in the capital on Friday.

Rahamatganj Ghanaian forward Ernest Boateng took a lead in the 10th minute, but Kings forward Rakib Hossain leveled the margin in the 26th minute, so the first half ended at 1-1. 

After halftime, Kings’ three Brazilian stars – Miguel Figueira, Dorielton Nascimento and Robson Robinho struck one goal each in the 55th, 90+3rd and 90+6th minutes respectively to punish their lowly opponents by 4-1 goals. 

Fortis Football Club beat Police FC by 2-1 goals in the day’s other match at the Muktijuddho Sriti Stadium in Rajshahi.

After a barren first half, Gambian forward Pa Omar Babou took a lead for Fortis in the 51st minute while Venezuelan forward Edward Enrique Morillo Jimenez equalized the margin for Police in the 80th minute.

But Ukrainian striker Valeriy Gryshyn scored a late match winner to ruin Police’s celebration in the 90+4th minute. 

On Saturday, Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra Ltd will host Brothers Union Ltd at the Kings Arena.

Abahani Ltd Dhaka will lock horns with Chittagong Abahoni Ltd at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani Stadium in Gopalganj and Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Ltd will face Mohammedan Sporting Club Ltd at the Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh. All matches will kick off at 3 pm (BST).

BDST: 1428 HRS, FEB 17, 2024
MN