Bashundhara Kings’ title showdown
Bashundhara Kings celebrated their debut Bangladesh Premier League title in style, following a 1-1 draw against Chittagong Abahani, on the last day of the 2018-19 football season at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka yesterday.
The newcomers, who had confirmed their title with two games in hand, finally laid their hands on the most coveted trophy in Bangladesh’s domestic circuit in front of more than 10,000 fans and members of the club management.
The latest in line of cash-rich football clubs in Bangladesh had already won the Independence Cup title after falling just short in the season-opening Federation Cup, and they grew from strength to strength with their dazzling football, shrugging off challenges from six-time champions Abahani and one-time champions Sheikh Russel.
Even though they finished the last game with a draw, their third alongside one defeat in 24 matches, Bashundhara Kings had the joy of scooping two more top awards -- the best coach (Oscar Bruzon) and most valuable player (Daniel Colindres).
The last match of the season was not much more than an academic affair for the teams as the title race and that of relegation had already been decided. However, there was no lack of spirit from either team as the players tried to wrap up the campaign with a victory.
Bashundhara Kings had the first sight of goal in 15 minutes, with Colindres and Marcos Vinicius linking well to make a quick attack, which eventually resulted in a fine tackling save from Chittagong Abahani defender Mufta Lawal on an effort from Colindres.
The pre-determined champions, however, took the lead, rather fortuitously, two minutes later when Lawal, the man who made a brilliant intervention minutes ago, let a chip from Vinicius go past him with goalkeeper Mohammad Nehal haplessly rooted to his position.
Chittagong Abahani should have got the equaliser a minute later, but Monaem Khan Raju’s effort came off the post while the rebound was ruled out due to offside.
Nkowcha Kingsley and Daniel Tagoe then missed gilt-edged chances to get the port city side back into the game in the 37th minute before Nehal once again kept his side in the game with a brilliant save against Vinicius.
Chittagong Abahani, though, were handed a big break seven minutes later when Bashundhara Kings goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico thudded Chigozie off the ball, with Tagoe finding the net from the spot.
Chigozie then failed to keep his shot on target despite getting the better of Bashundhara Kings’ defenders 10 minutes after restart while the Kings, too, failed to make most of their attempts in the second half.
The match tapered off a bit as the ground became heavier and legs got wearier following showers, but the Kings were happy to take a point home and begin their celebrations.
AWARDS
Best emerging player -- Rabiul Hasan (Arambagh)
Best goalkeeper -- Ashraful Islam Rana (Sk Russel)
Top scorer -- Raphael Odoyin (Sk Russel)
Most valuable player -- Daniel Colindres (Bashundhara Kings)
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