Bashundhara Kings begin season with title victory

Bashundhara Kings have started their title defence by winning the Bashundhara Group Challenge Cup, the first tournament of the new domestic football season. In the final held at Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla, they beat Mohammedan Sporting 4-1.

The match kicked off 11 minutes late as the field was not fully prepared. The opening was thrilling, with two penalties in the first 13 minutes. In the 7th minute, Kings’ Brazilian forward Dorielton was fouled and converted the spot kick. Six minutes later, Mohammedan equalized when Uzbek forward Muzaffarov scored from the penalty after Elike was brought down inside the box.

Kings created further chances in the first half but failed to score. Mohammedan goalkeeper Sujon Hossain saved Dorielton’s shot before the break.

The second half began quietly, but in the 63rd minute Kings’ Sohel Rana was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Kings became more aggressive. In the 72nd minute, Rafael Augusto scored with a stunning left-footed volley from a corner.

Three minutes later, Emmanuel Sunday netted from Dorielton’s cut-back. In the 86th minute, Dorielton broke through Mohammedan’s defense to score his second goal and seal a 4-1 victory.

The match was marred by disruptions as Mohammedan fans repeatedly threw water bottles and smoke flares onto the pitch, halting play for nearly 10 minutes. Similar incidents occurred in stoppage time.

At the final whistle, Kings’ players and supporters erupted in celebration, marking a winning start to the domestic season with the first silverware.