Kings exact revenge on MSC

Federation Cup winners Mohammedan fell to a 2-1 defeat against Bangladesh Premier League champions Bashundhara Kings in a league encounter under floodlights at the Bashundhara Kings Arena yesterday.

With Kings having ensured their fourth consecutive league title in the previous round, Abahani confirmed the runners-up spot with two matches in hand after beating Sheikh Jamal DC 3-0. Abahani now have 37 points from 18 matches, 11 more than third-placed Bangladesh Police, who have three matches in hand.

Meanwhile, newcomers Azampur FC were relegated from the top-fight despite playing out a 1-1 draw against Sheikh Russel. They could secure only five points from 17 matches.

Mohammedan came at the Kings Arena having regained the Federation Cup title after 14 years with a tiebreaker win over Abahani in the final. The Black and Whites had got the better of Bashundhara Kings 2-1 in the semifinals.

The visitors, however, could not carry the momentum as coach Alfaz Ahmed brought a good number of changes in the playing eleven. Fed Cup final's four-goal hero Souleymane Diabate was one of those rested against Kings, who too rested league's top-scorer Dorielton Gomes and Iranian defender Reza Khanzadeh. The hosts, however, did not face much challenge from Mohammedan despite conceding an early lead.

Miguel Ferreira cancelled out a second-minute strike from Emmanuel Sunday in the 10th minute before Rakib Hossain struck the winner five minutes from the break. Promising midfielder Sheikh Morsalin set up both goals for Kings in the match, which Mohammedan played with 10 men in the last 10 minutes.