Six-time champions Dhaka Abahani Limited comfortably maintained their second slot intact in the 10-team Bashundhara Group Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football, beating their nearest rivals Rahmatganj MFS by a solitary goal at the Bir Shreshtho Fl Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj on Saturday.
With the day’s feat, Abahan further consolidated their second slot, securing 19 points from eight matches, while the Old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj MFS went down to 3rd place with their previous credit of 15 points from eight league outings.
This was the sixth victory for foreign players—less Maruful Haque’s Dhaka Abahani Ltd—in their eighth league match after conceding only one goal in the league, losing to league leader Dhaka Mohammedan SC by a 0-1 goal. They played a goalless draw with Fortis FC in the remaining league match.
The second slot of Abahani Limited in the ongoing league will not be disturbed despite their losing the remaining first leg match against Brothers Union Club.
After barren first, unmarked defender Shakil Hossain scored the match-winning goal for the sky-blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani Limited in the 68th minute utilising a lapse of the opponent defender, off of Asaduzzaman Bablu’s cross (1-0).
Abahani got a penalty in the 71st minute when Rahmatganj’s defender Tajuddin fouled onrushing Mahadi in the danger zone, but Abahani forward Mohammad Ibrahim spoilt a golden opportunity, sending the spot-kick ball outside.
In the added time of the match, Abahani custodian Mahfuz Hasan Pritom and Rahmatganj’s Ghanaian medio Mahmud Oshie were cautioned with yellow cards for being involved in a clash.
In the day’s other match, defending champions Bashundhara Kings played a 1-1 draw with Fortis FC at the Bashundhara Kings Arena Saturday evening.
Defender Topu Barman put Bashundhara Kings ahead in the 11th minute (1-0), while Mohammad Abdullah levelled the margin for Fortis FC in the 63rd minute (1-1).
After the 8th round matches, Dhaka Mohammedan SC Ltd comfortably dominated the league with an all-win record as the lone team collecting a full 24 points from straight eight matches.
On completion of the 8th round matches, defending champions Basundhara Kings remained at the 4th slot in the league, securing 14 points, while Brothers Union Club also remained at the 5th slot, also bagging 14 points.