Kings seal third straight title

Defending Bangladesh Premier League champions Bashundhara Kings continued their dominance in the league by securing their third straight title by beating Saif Sporting Club 2-0 at the Birshreshtha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj on Sunday.

Kings were on the brink of the title after the completion of matchday 19 after which they had to win either of their last three fixtures to clinch the title.

They became only the second team in BPL history to win the league on three consecutive occasions, with only Abahani Ltd achieving the feat in the first three years of BPL’s inception.

Oscar Bruzon’s men secured the title with two games remaining and defeated Saif Sporting in treacherous circumstances, playing almost an hour with 10 men after left-back Yeasin Arafat got sent off in the 36th minute.

Goals from Matin Miah, and Biplo Ahmed sealed the game for the Kings as they top the table with 51 points.

On Saturday’s game, Bruzon made several changes to the line-up, the most significant being the exclusion of skipper Robson Robinho.

The early minutes of the game saw both teams clawing to attain control, with Kings players showing initial jitters in a cagey affair.

Even though Saif looked threatening on occasions, in the first 30 minutes, Kings created more convincing chances.

Kings’ attacking midfielder Miguel Damascena’s left-footed strike deflected off the crossbar in the 23rd minute but the jitters soon faded when winger Matin Miah found the net in the 28th minute.

Matin expertly received the ball and smartly shifted it to his stronger right foot before depositing it in the back of the net.

But their celebrations were cut short as Yeasin Arafat slid through Saif winger Rahim Uddin in the 36th minute, leaving the winger on the turf in agony.

After minutes of consideration, the referee decided to bring out the red card and sent the left-back off.

Kings were down to 10 men and Saif took full advantage of the extra man on their side but failed to show anything for it as they went to half-time with a goal down.

Saif couldn’t capitialise on their advantage and ended up conceding in their desperation to find a goal.

Kings midfielder Biplo Ahmed’s thunderous left-footed strike in the 81st minute sealed it for Kings.

Abahani Ltd, who are in second place with 41 points, will take on Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club today, and will face Kings on July 25 before taking on Uttar Baridhara in their final fixture on July 31.

Kings will face Abahani Ltd and Sheikh Jamal DC in their last two fixtures.