Six-time champions Dhaka Abahani Limited made a good start in football's 12-team Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), beating Muktijoddha Sangsad KC 1-0 on a rain -soaked pitch at the Shaheed Ahsanullah Master Stadium in Tongi.
Newcomer Swadhinata KS made a big upset in the same venue on Thursday beating last two times champions Bashundhara Kings by 2-1 goals, but the popular sky blue Dhanmondi outfit Ahahani faced no trouble to beat the freedom fighters' team on an uncharacteristic February day.
Brazilian striker Dorielton Gomes scored the match-winning goal for the Independent Cup and Federation Cup champions Dhaka Abahani in the 12th minute of the match.
In Friday' s other match, Saif Sporting Club rose from slumber at the death to complete a 1-0 victory over Bangladesh Police FC, also in a rain soaked at the Bir Shreshtha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj.
Rwanda defender Emery Bayisenge scored the all important goal for Saif SC in the stoppage time (90+2 minute) of the match.
The eleven- round first phase matches of BPL are now being held in two venues adjoining the capital-- Shaheed Ahsanullah Master Stadium in Tongi and the Bir Shreshtha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj ,and it will continue till March 19 or 20.