Football fans of the country witnessed an exciting final at the Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh as Bashundhara Kings and Mohammedan Sporting Club met in the final of the Federation Cup today (May 22).
Kings became the second club to win their maiden ‘domestic treble’ by beating Mohammedan by 2-1.
The exciting final matched rolled into an extra time after the stipulated time ended 1-1 draw. Substitute Jahid Hossain scored the winning goal from close range late in the first half of extra-time giving Kings the taste of treble victory.
Since the introduction of top flight football in 2018, Kings could not win a treble in one season, but today with the remarkable triumph in the Federation Cup final over Mohammedan the coach Oscar Bruz>n's team dream of winning the treble has been fulfilled. After Independence Cup and Bangladesh Premier League, Kings won the Federation Cup 2023-24 season.
The powerhouse Kings also emerged champions in the Federation Cup for the third time.
Earlier, Sheikh Russel KC was the first team to complete a domestic treble back in 2012-13 season.
Bashundhara Kings were much stronger on paper than the Mohammedans but Kings were found a little lusterless in front of Mohammedans. Mohammedan dominated exclusively in the second half of today's match, especially after Shahriar Eamon was brought in the field.
Mohammedan continued to pile up pressure over kings after the resumption though Kings goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon made some great saves frustrating the Mohammedan forwards.
However Nigerian forward Sunday Emmanuel finally broke the deadlock giving Mohammedan a deserving lead in the 64th minute taking a pass from his captain Souleymane Diabate.
The match seemed to be going to Mohammedan's way until Kings' midfielder Miguel Ferreira brought back Kings in the match in the 87th minute, take the game to the extra time.
Bashundhara Kings got few scoring opportunities in the first half but the Kings' forwards could not test the Mohammedan goalkeeper in the same way. Mohammedan also had some chances but failed to take the lead lacks of proper finishing.
Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira of Kings was adjudged the best player of the final while his compatriot Robson Robinho was named the best player of the tournament.
Washington Brando of Abahani Limited emerged as the highest scorer in the tournament while Mehedi Hasan Srabon of Kings was named the best goal keeper of the tournament.
Abahani Limited, Dhaka was given the fair play trophy.
Kings beat Mohammedan by the same margin in the Independence Cup final.
Making their debut in the country's top flight football in 2018, they won the Bangladesh Premier League in 2019, but the next edition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Kings were unstoppable in the following four editions, winning the BPL title in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons.
BDST: 1940 HRS, MAY 22, 2024
MSK/SMS
