United News of Bangladesh

The final match of the 10-team Bashundhara Group Federation Cup Football 2024–25 between defending champions Bashundhara Kings and 12-time winners Dhaka Abahani Ltd was postponed in the dying moments due to poor lighting at the Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh on Tuesday afternoon. The title-deciding clash between the two arch-rivals was initially halted in the second minute of the second half following heavy rain and strong winds. After more than an hour’s break, the match resumed on a waterlogged, muddy, and slippery pitch. However, referee Saimon Hasan Sunny was forced to suspend the game again after the first extra-time session (105th minute) due to insufficient light, as the Mymensingh venue lacks floodlights. At the time of postponement, the match was locked at 1-1, with both goals coming early in the first half. Argentine forward Juan Lescano gave Bashundhara Kings an early lead in the 6th minute with a well-placed header from the danger zone, capitalizing on a free-kick delivered by defender Mohammad Saaduddin (1-0). But the lead was short-lived, as Abahani’s Mohammad Ibrahim equalized in the 13th minute with a precise placing shot from close range, set up by a cutback from Nigerian forward Emeka (1-1). Abahani gained momentum after the equalizer and dominated much of the first half but failed to convert their chances into goals. Following the resumption of play after the weather break, Bashundhara Kings took partial control of the game. Despite the poor pitch conditions, both teams battled hard through the regulation 90 minutes and the first 15-minute extra-time session. Bashundhara Kings were reduced to 10 men in the 102nd minute when Foysal Ahmed Fahim was shown a straight red card for an illegal tackle. The match will be rescheduled, with the new date and time to be announced by the Bangladesh