Kings fall to second straight defeat

Bashundhara Kings had another hiccup as the defending champions suffered a 1-2 defeat to Bangladesh Police FC in an away match of the Bangladesh Premier League at Shaheed Smriti Stadium in Rajshahi yesterday.

It was the first time this season that the Kings found themselves on the end of back-to-back defeats after seeing their 24-match unbeaten streak in all competitions end on Tuesday following a 2-1 defeat to Mohammedan in a Federation Cup semifinal.

The way the star-studded outfit meandered against minnows Police FC perhaps showed their devastation at being eliminated from the Federation Cup and resulted in their first defeat in the BPL this season after 15 matches.

However, with 40 points from 15 matches, they maintain their 10-point lead on nearest rivals Abahani, who suffered a 2-3 defeat to lowly Chittagong Abahani in Munshiganj. Abahani have 30 points after 15 matches after recording their third defeat.

It was surprising to see Yeasin Arafat deployed in midfield instead of proper midfielders like Masuk Mia Jonny and Ashikur Rahman Fahad.

Venezuelan forward Edward Morillo Jimenz danced past left-back Rimon Hossian and centrebacks Tapu Barman and Tariq Raihan Kazi in the 32nd minute before finding the back of the net.

However, changes at the start of the second half paid off, with Rakibul Hasan availing a defense-splitting through from Robson and equalising in the 47th minute.

But Jimenz again fooled Rimon and curled in the winning strike from inside the box in the 63rd minute in a match that saw Kings fail to claw their way back despite 16 minutes of added time.

In the day's other match, Sheikh Russel played out a goalless draw against Sheikh Jamal to stay third with 22 points, one ahead of fourth-place Sheikh Jamal.