Bashundhara Kings have successfully retained their Federation Cup title after emerging victorious from a highly competitive final against Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited. In an encounter where they fell behind on two separate occasions, the Kings demonstrated notable tactical resilience to seal a 3-2 win over their traditional cross-town rivals. This victory ensures that Bashundhara Kings have secured their third consecutive Federation Cup trophy, further establishing their position at the pinnacle of top-flight domestic football.
The showpiece fixture was staged on Wednesday, 20 May, at the Kings Arena, attracting a large crowd that filled the stands. Supporters from both clubs turned out in significant numbers, generating a lively atmosphere accompanied by traditional percussion and drums throughout the stands. In a distinct gesture marking the historical heritage of the domestic game, a large portrait of the late, well-known Mohammedan supporter Ataur Rahman, known widely within the local football community as “Ata Bhai”, was displayed by fans in the gallery to recognise his long-standing allegiance to the club.
Fast-Paced First Half Delivers Multiple Goals
The match opened with immediate offensive intent from both sides, and Mohammedan Sporting Club required only five minutes to open the scoring. The first goal was converted by their Uzbek midfielder, Muzaffarov, who struck a precise free-kick that beat the opposition goalkeeper to settle into the net. The response from the defending champions was swift, as they immediately pushed forward to level the scoreline.
Bashundhara Kings found their route back into the match in the eighth minute when the referee awarded them a penalty following a defensive foul inside the eighteen-yard box. Brazilian attacker Dorielton Gomes took charge of the spot-kick and calmly converted the opportunity to make the score 1-1. The momentum shifted again in the 23rd minute when Mohammedan were awarded a penalty of their own. Muzaffarov stepped up to take the shot, but Bashundhara Kings’ goalkeeper, Mehedi Hasan Srabon, guessed correctly and produced a vital save to keep the scores level.
Despite the penalty miss, Mohammedan continued to create chances and reclaimed the lead in the 35th minute. A well-placed cross delivered from the right wing dropped into the penalty area, allowing Sourav to execute a side-footed finish past Srabon. This clinical goal ensured that Mohammedan entered the half-time break holding a 2-1 advantage.
Dorielton Gomes Secures Hat-Trick to Turn Match Around
Following the resumption of play in the second half, Bashundhara Kings adjusted their tactical system to employ a much more direct, attacking style of play. This tactical shift yielded results in the 50th minute when Dorielton Gomes finished off a fluent team combination to score his second equaliser of the match, bringing the scoreline to 2-2. The Kings’ frontline continued to put the Mohammedan defensive unit under sustained pressure as the second half progressed.
The defining moment of the final occurred in the 75th minute when the Brazilian forward struck the decisive blow. By scoring his third goal of the match, Dorielton gave Bashundhara Kings their first lead of the afternoon and completed an individual hat-trick. This performance significantly boosted his personal scoring record, representing his 12th goal in the Federation Cup campaign alongside his current tally of 17 goals in the domestic league.
After taking the lead, Bashundhara Kings defensive line managed the final phase of the match with composure, neutralizing Mohammedan’s late attacking long balls. The referee’s final whistle confirmed the 3-2 scoreline, initiating celebrations at the Kings Arena as the squad lifted the trophy to confirm their third successive Federation Cup championship.