Kings go 12 points clear of Abahani

Holders Bashundhara Kings almost made Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) a one-horse race after handing a 2-1 defeat to nearest rivals Abahani in Cumilla yesterday.

With Kings registering a maximum 30 points in 10 league games, 12 points now separate Kings and the six-time champions Abahani who, however, played a game less. 

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Abahani needed an outright win to keep the title race alive, but they fell apart under immense pressure in front of a full house at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium.

Having extended their unbeaten record over Abahani in the professional football league, Kings also remained unconquered this season -- with 18 wins and a draw across BPL, the Federation Cup and the Independence Cup. Meanwhile Abahani, after dropping six points in three drawn matches, tasted first defeat in the middle of the ongoing league to all but fall out of the title race.

In the match, Abahani got off to a commanding start by creating a few good opportunities but Kings took the lead against the run of play in the 25th minute when Brazilian Miguel Figueira side-volleyed home a cut-back from compatriot Robson De Silva. Abahani went on to equalise in the 36th minute with a header from Rezaul Karim off a Colindres corner kick.

After resumption, Abahani again created three more chances but failed to convert. They were eventually punished in the 71st minute when Miguel availed a defensive fumble before sealing the game off in Kings' favour.

In the day's other match, newcomers Azampur FC Uttara came from behind to hold Sheikh Jamal DC to a 3-3 draw in Gopalganj.