Defending champions Bashundhara Kings came close to 5th title of the Bashundhara Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football eliminating six times champions Dhaka Abahani Limited by 2-1 goals at their home ground --floodlight Bashundhara Kings Arena -- here Saturday evening.
They clearly dominated the first half by 2-0 goals.
The Kings, which clinched BPL title for the 4th consecutive times from 2018-2019 season to 2022-23 season (BPL abandoned in 2019-1020 season due to Covid-19 Pandemic), now poised for the 5th BPL crown securing 37 points from 14 matches, nine points ahead of the nearest rivals Mohammedan SC and 12 points ahead of the 3rd ranked Dhaka Abahani Ltd.
After the day's match, Dhaka Abahani Ltd are virtually eliminated from the title race with 25 points from 14 matches while Federation Cup champions Dhaka Mohammedan SC keep their very slim hope alive with 28 points from 14 encounters, with all teams have four matches to spare.
In the day's crucial match, local forward Rakib Hossain scored first for the Kings in the very 5th minute of the match (1-0) while Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira doubled the winners margin in the 35th minute from a penalty (2-0).
St. Vincent forward Cornelius Stewart pulled the Abahani margin one back scoring the lone goal in the 50th minute (2-1).