Bashundhara Kings maintained their grip at the top of the Bangladesh Football League with a controlled 2–1 victory over Arambagh Krira Sangha at the Kings Arena on Saturday.
Table toppers dominated the opening period, translating their attacking superiority into a two-goal cushion before the break through Dorielton and Emmanuel Sunday.
Arambagh, however, returned after the interval with renewed purpose and threatened to turn the contest on its head, only to be denied by a combination of wasteful finishing and resolute goalkeeping.
The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute. The move originated from Yusuf, whose incisive through ball released Rakib down the right. The winger advanced into the penalty area before cutting the ball back for Dorielton, who guided a low, composed finish into the far corner.
Just four minutes later, the lead was doubled in flowing fashion. Rakib, again influential, fed Dorielton near the right corner. The Brazilian delivered a driven cross towards the box, where Emmanuel Sunday rose to meet it with a header that bounced awkwardly and looped over the Arambagh goalkeeper into the net.
Bashundhara could have extended their advantage further before the interval, but Fahim was unable to connect with another teasing delivery from Rakib, as the hosts went into the break firmly in control at 2-0.
The second half, however, told a different story. Arambagh emerged with greater confidence and nearly pulled one back in controversial circumstances. Ghanaian forward Kizito appeared to have scored after controlling a long ball and beating Kings goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico, only for the effort to be ruled out for a foul. The decision sparked protests from the visitors, with Roky visibly frustrated.
Their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Mills reduced the deficit with an emphatic side volley, injecting fresh belief into the contest.
Just four minutes later, Arambagh came agonisingly close to an equaliser. Roky’s cross from the right found Mills, whose powerful header seemed destined for the net, only for Zico to produce a sharp save and preserve his side’s lead.
Both teams continued to trade attacks in an open closing spell, but neither could add to the scoreline. Bashundhara ultimately held firm to secure all three points.
The result sees Bashundhara Kings move to 27 points after 12 rounds, consolidating their position at the summit. Fortis FC remain second on 24 points following a 2-0 win over Police FC at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur. Police stay fifth with 16 points, while Arambagh remain rooted to the bottom of the table with nine points.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
