Big-budgeted Bashundhara Kings shocked defending league and Federation Cup champions Dhaka Abahani Limited beating them by 3-0 goals in a high-voltage match at the 15,000 crowd-packed Sheikh Kamal Stadium in Nilphamari in the afternoon.
Our Nilphamari correspondent adds: Newly appointed State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russell inaugurated the match in the afternoon. BFF President Kazi M Salahuddin was also present on the occasion.
With the match, the Sheikh Kamal Stadium made its debut as an new BPL football venue and home venue of Bashundhara Kings after successfully holding FIFA International Friendly match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in September last year.
This was the 2nd win for Bashundhara Kings in their 3rd match against Dhaka Abahani Limited in the season.
In the day’s vital match, Nasir put the Kings ahead in the stoppage of the first half (45+2), Motin Miah doubled the Kings margin in the 60th (2-0) while Russian World Cup playing Costa Rica booter Colindres sealed the fate of the match scoring the 3rd goal just one minute before the final whistle (3-0).
In the first half of the match, Nigerian striker of Dhaka Abahani Chizoba spoiled a spot kick depriving his team of a goal.
Earlier, holders Dhaka Abahani Limited made a good start in the ongoing tournament beating NoFel Sporting Club by 2-1 goals in the league opener while newcomers Bashundhara Kings also made a good journey in the league beating former champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by 1-0 goal.
Besides, Dhaka Abahani Limited clinched the season’s curtain raiser meet Federation Cup Football crown beating Bashundhara Kings by 3-1 goals in the final while Bashundhara Kings lifted the recently concluded Independence Cup title eliminating Dhaka Abahani Limited in the semifinal.
In the day’s other match, a brilliant hat-trick by Ballo Famousa enabled Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra to crush former champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by 3-0 goals at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj.
Ballo Famousa made the first hat-trick in the league scoring three goals in a row in the 44th, 67th and 89th minute.
Earlier, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club lost their BPL opener 0-1 to Bashundhara Kings while Muktijoddha Sangsad KC conceded 0-1 defeat against Chattogram Abahani Limited.