Holders Bashundhara Kings began their Bangladesh Premier League campaign in style by defeating Brothers Union in a seven-goal thriller by 5-2 on Friday, as country’s top-tier football league kicked off with four matches taking place in different venues across the country.
However, Bashundhara Kings, in their home venue at the Kings Arena, predictably won the match against Brothers Union but had to concede two goals despite enjoying the majority of possession throughout the match.
Kings Brazilian prolific striker Dorielton struck twice; his compatriot Robson Robinho, Rakib Hossain, and substitute Ibrahim added a piece for the hosts when Rabby Hossen Rahul and Otabek reduced one goal each for Brothers Union.
Kings kicked off the match with some good pace and drew the first blood in the eighth minute, with Rakib making the breakthrough with a solo finish.
The young national, after receiving a ball outside the box, just edged past two of his markers before going to open space inside the area and marking the target with an angular short to far post (1-0).
After taking the early lead, the Kings had to wait for the second for a long 50 minutes when Dorielton doubled the margin in the 58th minute. Dorielton received the ball inside the area after a good-looking exchange between Robson and Rakib before slammed home his strike (2-0), and two minutes later, the Brazilian struck his second and third for the team on the 60th (3-0).
Trailing by 2-0 at Kings Arean, after 68 minutes, they reduced their lead through Rahul, who made a great finish. Rahul, after receiving the ball with a superb sprint, just beat defenders Tariq Kazi and Bishawnath Ghosh before beating goalkeeper Srabon (1-3).
The rest of the time, Bashundhara Kings scored two, with Robson and Ibrahim scoring one goal when Otabek reduced another one for Brothers, and the final score sheet was 5-2.
Meanwhile, in the day’s other matches, Abahani Limited was forced to share points with Rahmatganj MFS at their home venue at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium, Gopalgoanj.
Jonathan led Abahani in the 21st minute, but Ernest Boeteng scored in the 67th minute to snatch a valuable point for Rahmatganj.
Bangladesh Police FC beat Chottagong Abahani Limited by 2-0 to make a winning start.
Edis Garcia scored both goals for Police FC in the 22nd and 43rd minutes.
In the day’s other match at the Muktijoddah Sriti Stadium, Rajshahi Stadium, Mohammedan Sporting Club also made their league campaign with a winning note but had to struggle up to the 90th minute to confirm three points.
Mohammedan took the lead in the 14th minute when Emon opened the net, but Omar of Fortis leveled the margin just two minutes before the break (1-1), and when the match was heading to a one-all draw, Emmanuel slavaged the Black and Whites with his 90th minute strike.