Bashundhara Kings lift Challenge Cup trophy

Bashundhara Kings began the new season in style as the 10-man side thrashed Mohammedan 4-1 to lift the Challenge Cup at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium on Friday.

The result was almost a repeat of last season's final, where Kings beat Mohammedan 3-1 in the inaugural edition of the one-off clash between the Bangladesh Premier League champions and the Federation Cup winners.

Like last year, the final was marred by smoke flares thrown onto the pitch in the second half, halting play for a few minutes before resumption.

All five goals came from foreign recruits. Brazilian striker Dorielton Gomes scored twice, while compatriot Raphael Augusto and Nigerian forward Emmanuel Sunday were also on target for Kings. Uzbek midfielder Muzaffar Muzaffarov scored Mohammedan's lone goal.

The match kicked off 10 minutes late due to ground preparations, with long grass around the pitch making it difficult for players to perform at their best. Only a few hundred spectators turned up, though they created a lively atmosphere for their respective teams.

Mohammedan almost took the lead inside two minutes when Tariq Kazi conceded a foul at the edge of the box, but Muzaffarov's free-kick struck the wall. Instead, it was Kings who broke the deadlock in the eighth minute. Dorielton converted from the spot after being fouled by Mohammedan captain Mehedi Hasan Mithu.

The lead lasted just seven minutes, with Muzaffarov equalising from another penalty after Tariq committed a foul inside the box. With the score locked at 1-1, both teams looked disjointed, struggling to create purposeful attacks before halftime.

The second half saw more intensity. Dorielton was denied by goalkeeper Mohammad Sujan in the 59th minute before Kings were reduced to 10 men, as midfielder Sohel Rana received his second booking in the 63rd minute.

Despite the setback, Kings took control. Raphael restored the lead in the 72nd minute with a fine volley from a poor clearance following a corner. Two minutes later, Sunday doubled the advantage after being set up by Dorielton. The Brazilian then sealed the contest in the 85th minute, dribbling past Mithu before slotting home.

Mohammedan made late substitutions but failed to trouble the champions, as Kings celebrated another dominant victory to retain the Challenge Cup.