In a battle of two former champions, Sheikh Russel KC beat Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by 2-1 goals in the day's lone first round match of the 10-team ABG Bashundhara Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football at the Bashundhara Kings Arena here on Saturday.

On completion of  the first round matches, holders Bashundhara Kings, Dhaka Mohammedan SC, Bangladesh Police FC and Sheikh Russel KC dominated the league table securing full three points from their first round matches.

In the day's match, Sheikh Russel KC dominated the first half by a goal.

Burondi striker Selemani Landry  put Sheikh Russel KC ahead in the very 6th minute of the match by a placing shot, utilizing a left wing pass from Sumon Reza (1-0)

Nigerian defender Ganiu Atanda doubled Sheikh Russel margin in the 49th minute by an angular header that kissed the Sheikh Jamal  net touching the goal bar  (2-0) 

Uzbek defender Kholmatov pulled the Sheikh Jamal margin one back in the 59th minute, firing the net, off a header of his team mate  (2-1).

Earlier, Sheikh Jamal DC were reduced to 10-man in the stoppage time of the first half (45+3 minute) as their defender Mahmudul Hasan Kiron got a direct red card.

Kiron received a direct card as he brought down onrushing Sarwar Zaman Nipu of Sheikh Russel in the danger zone.

Head Coach of Sheikh Russel KC also received a red card in the stoppage time of the match (90+2 minute).

Earlier in BPL opener on Friday, Bashundhara Kings outplayed Brothers Union Club 5-2, Dhaka Mohammedan SC beat Fortis SC 2-1, Police FC defeated Chittagong Abahani Ltd 2-0 and six-time champions Dhaka Abahani Ltd played 1-1 draw with Rahmatganj NFS 

The 2nd round matches will be held on December 29 and 30.

The BPL matches are scheduled to be held every Friday and Saturday of the week.