Kings, Abahani suffer defeats as Sheikh Russel, Sheikh Jamal share points

Reigning champions Bashundhara Kings suffered a shocking a 1-2 goal defeat to Bangladesh Police Football Club in the ongoing 11-team Bangladesh Premier League 2022-23 at the Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh on Friday.

Kings suffered their first-ever defeat to Police FC in their all-time history of the domestic league just two days after their defeat to Mohammedan Sporting Club in the first semifinal of the Bashundhara Group Federation Cup 2022-23 in Gopalganj on Tuesday. The defeat also ended their 14-match unbeaten run in the ongoing BPL.

Police’s Venezuelan forward Edward Morillo scored a brace in the 32nd and 62nd minutes while Kings forward Rakib Hossain succeeded to score one in the 47th minute after the break.
The second-placed Dhaka Abahani failed to pass a tough test from lowly Chattogram Abahoni in a five-goal thriller at the Shaheed Bir Sreshtha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj.

Ctg Abahoni’s Nigerian forward Ojukwu David Ifegwu struck twice in the 7th and 40th minutes and midfielder Ekbal Hossain extended the margin in the 35th minute while Dhaka Abahani’s Syrian defender Mohammad Yousef was just able to reduce the gap scoring a brace in the 18th and 64th minutes of the game.

Meanwhile, the third-placed Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra and fourth-placed Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club shared points after their match ended in a goalless draw at the Bashundhara Sports Complex in the capital.

Sheikh Russel came to the ground leaving behind their three key players to the bench — captain Jamal Bhuyan, forward Mfon Sunday Udoh and Ivorian midfielder Kpehi Jean Charles Didier Brossou — were seen to suffer a lot in the opponent’s box.

The sloppy forward of Sheikh Russel failed to convert chances from three close attempts while Sheikh Jamal also tried to break the deadlock, but the poor finishes shattered their hopes to proceed ahead of Sheikh Russel in the points table.

Despite having a disappointing day, Kings remained top with 40 points, followed by Dhaka Abahani who are still 10 points behind the league leaders. Sheikh Russel had 22 points and stayed ahead a point from Sheikh Jamal.
But the changes are seen at the lower positions of the table with Police FC climbed up to fifth with 20 points and Ctg Abahoni improved their position to ninth with 13 points.

Source: daily-sun