Vranjes powers Kings to normality

Holders Bashundhara Kings returned to winning ways in the Bangladesh Premier League but they had to fight hard to secure a 1-0 win over Uttar Baridhara Club at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Fl. Lt. Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj yesterday.

A 27th-minute strike from Bosnian striker Stojan Vranjes was good enough in the end for Kings, who began their hat-trick title aspirations with a shock 2-1 defeat against newcomers Swadhinata KS in the league opener.

Baridhara too, arrived in the game on the back of a 2-1 loss, however, they had the upper hand over Kings for the first 15 minutes, courtesy of some crisp passing before the defending champions grew in confidence to seize control for the remainder of the game.

Baridhara even came agonisingly close to taking the lead twice during that period but were denied by timely clearances from Bishwanath Ghosh and Iranian defender Khalid Shafiei.

After negating early pressure, Kings created two chances around the 20th minute when Tarik Raihan Kazi saw his drive, from a Bishwanath long throw-in, well blocked by Rashed Hossain while a goal-bound shot was cleared by Uttam Kumar from a goal-mouth melee.

Kings did not take long to counter from the right flank. Ibrahim channeled a lob in the centre for Towhidul Alam Sabuj and the striker's feeble header was successfully tapped in by Vranjes in the 27th minute. 

After resumption, Baridhara could only muster one shot on target while Kings failed to widen the margin despite controlling the game till the last whistle.