Dhaka, Oct 28 (UNB)- Defending champions Bashundhara Kings managed a face-saving 1-0 goal victory over Bangladesh Navy in their first appearance in the season's curtain-raising meet, the 13-team Independence Cup Football 2023 at their home ground—the floodlight Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka on Saturday evening.

Brazilian forward Miguel Ferreira scored the match-winning goal for the star-studded Kings in the very third minute of the match.

Also read: Independence Cup Football: Dhaka Abahani Ltd make good start beating Air Force 2-0

In the day's other match, coming from behind twice, three-time champions Dhaka Mohammedan SC played to a 2-2 draw with Bangladesh Army at the same venue on Saturday afternoon.

Emtiyaz put the Army team ahead in the 9th minute (1-0), while Arif levelled the margin for the traditional lack-and-white Mohammedan SC in the 20th minute (1-1).

Also read: 13-team Independence Cup Football begins Friday: 3 matches on Day 1

The Army team again took the lead in the 24th minute with a goal from Ranju to dominate the first half by 2-1 goals.

Finally, Jafar came to rescue Mohammedan from an awkward situation, scoring the match-equaliser in the 67th minute (2-2).

Also read: Ceremonial draw of Independence Cup Football 2023 held Monday

Earlier on opening day (Friday), former champions Dhaka Abahani Limited made a good start in the ongoing final round of the Independence Cup Football 2023, beating the Bangladesh Air Force team by 2-0 goals.

In Friday's two other matches, a 10-man Rahmatganj MFS forced last-time runners-up Sheikh Russel KC to play a goalless draw while Bangladesh Police FC defeated Brothers Union Club by 2-0 goals.