Kings’ title to lose

Defending champions Bashundhara Kings have opened up a nine-point lead at the top as the first phase of the Bangladesh Premier League came to an end yesterday.

The three-time champions have been in marauding form this season, winning all 10 of their first-phase matches, and barring some miracle, they look set to add a fourth consecutive league title to their growing trophy cabinet. Their closest rivals for the title, six-time professional league champions Abahani, are nine points behind in second position and were subjected to a 2-1 defeat by the champions last week.

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While the title-race seems done and dusted already, there is fierce competition for the next couple of positions which might have some ramifications for Asian club competition participation. Abahani have a five-point lead over third-placed Bangladesh Police, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Chittagong Abahani in one of the two matches on Saturday.

Police took the lead in the fifth minute at the Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh, with Almazbek Malikov scoring from the spot. Chittagong Abahani, who started the day in 10th position with seven points, found the equalising goal in the 43rd minute, with David Ojukwu heading home Candy Augustine's freekick.

Sheikh Russel had the chance to reclaim the third position, but they were subjected to a 1-0 defeat by Muktijoddha Sangsad at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj. Aminur Rahman Sajib's 62nd minute header off a freekick from Najeem Junior earned Muktijoddha their third win of the season. The win lifted the All Reds to eighth position with 10 points while Sheikh Russel remained in fourth position with 14 points. Sheikh Jamal, with 14 points, were occupying the fifth position.

At the opposite end of the table, newcomers Azampur FC of Uttara look destined for the drop as they have only two points from 10 matches, six behind Chittagong Abahani.