Two reds mar Abahani-Kings thriller

Bangladesh Premier League football produced a thriller on Sunday as Abahani Ltd drew 2-2 against Bashundhara Kings at the Sylhet District Stadium but the match was marred with both teams having one player sent off.

Kings midfielder Sohel Rana was shown red in the 27th minute, while Abahani winger Rakib Hossain was sent off late in the first half as both teams were reduced to 10 men.

Daniel Colindres gave Abahani the lead in the first half before Eleta Kingsley equalised for Kings. Robson Robinho then put Kings forward with a sublime goal, but it was cancelled out by a late equalizer by Abahani’s Dori.

Kings midfielder Sohel was the first player to be sent off. Sohel tried to guard the ball from Abahani midfielder Emon Mahmud. He then swung his elbow and hit Mahmud’s face as he went to the ground soon after. Sohel was shown a direct red, with Kings having to play the rest of the match with 10 men.

Former King’s talisman Daniel Colindres broke the deadlock for Abahani in the 20th minute scoring with left-foot.

Colindres pounced on a fluffed headed clearance from Kings' Khaled Shafiei. The winger volleyed the ball with his left foot, sending it across the goalkeeper.

The second sending off came in stoppage time of the first half when Rakib lost his cool and jabbed Kings left-back Rimon Hossain. Rimon took to the ground and a direct red was shown to Rakib.

Kings equalised in the second half, courtesy of Eleta Kingsley, who scored with his left foot from 30 yards out in the 64th minute.

It didn’t take long for Kings to pull out a lead as skipper Robson scored a screamer from outside the box in the 69th minute, completely baffling the keeper.

Abahani levelled late when Brazilian striker Dori found the net in the 84th minute. A vigilant Dori finished a pass from five yards out to send the ball at the back of the net, securing a point for Abahani.