Bashundhara Kings appeared to be cruising towards another commanding victory when they surged into a three-goal lead within the opening 32 minutes. Yet football, ever unpredictable, had a different script in store. In a dramatic display of resilience and belief, Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club mounted an extraordinary late comeback, scoring three goals in the final 14 minutes to secure a 3–3 draw and deny the reigning champions victory in the closing match of the first phase of the Bangladesh Premier League.
Played in Manikganj, the encounter initially unfolded exactly as expected. Kings dominated possession, dictated the tempo, and capitalised clinically on their early chances. Their attacking movement and sharp finishing suggested a routine win, prompting many observers to believe the contest had been settled long before half-time.
However, the second half told a markedly different story. As the minutes ticked away, Fakirerpool gradually found their rhythm and began pushing higher up the pitch. Their persistence was finally rewarded late in the match, when they struck their first goal to reignite hope. What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Buoyed by belief and urgency, Fakirerpool scored twice more in rapid succession, completing a sensational comeback that silenced the Kings’ supporters and sent their own bench into celebration.
For Bashundhara Kings, the draw was a sobering reminder of football’s unforgiving nature. Despite their dominance for large spells of the match, lapses in concentration during the closing minutes proved costly. As a result, the champions were forced to conclude the first phase of the league with a draw rather than a morale-boosting victory.
Elsewhere in the final round of the first phase, Abahani Limited enjoyed a comfortable 3–0 win over Arambagh Krira Sangha in Cumilla. Malian forward Souleymane Diabate was the star of the match, scoring twice, while Bruno added a third to complete a convincing performance.
Fortis FC continued their impressive run with a 2–0 victory against PWD, underlining their growing reputation as one of the league’s most consistent sides. Meanwhile, Police FC and Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society shared the spoils in a hard-fought 1–1 draw.
At the end of the first phase, Bashundhara Kings and Fortis FC sit level on 18 points each after nine matches. Kings retain top spot solely on goal difference, with Fortis close behind in second place. Fortis have emerged as the biggest surprise of the league so far, suffering only one defeat, recording three draws, and claiming five wins—a remarkable achievement for a side many had underestimated.
Rahmatganj occupy third place with 15 points, while Police FC follow closely in fourth on 14. Abahani Limited sit fifth with 13 points, and defending champions Mohammedan Sporting Club find themselves in sixth place with 10 points, reflecting an inconsistent start to their campaign.
As the league prepares to move into its next phase, the dramatic events in Manikganj serve as a powerful reminder: no lead is ever truly safe until the final whistle blows.
Bangladesh Premier League – First Phase Standings (Top Six)
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bashundhara Kings | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 18 |
| 2 | Fortis FC | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 18 |
| 3 | Rahmatganj MFS | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 15 |
| 4 | Police FC | 9 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 14 |
| 5 | Abahani Limited | 9 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 13 |
| 6 | Mohammedan SC | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 10 |
