Bashundhara Kings secured a place in the Federation Cup final for the sixth time with a commanding 4–0 victory over Brothers Union in the first qualification round at the Kings Arena. Brazilian forward Darielton Gomes scored twice, continuing his prolific form in the competition. With this result, Kings moved within reach of a fifth Federation Cup title, having won four of their previous five final appearances.
In the day’s other fixture, held at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla, Mohammedan Sporting Club defeated Rahmatganj MFS 3–0 in an elimination match to book a place in the second qualifier. The second qualifier, scheduled for 12 May, will be contested between Mohammedan and Brothers Union, with the winner advancing to meet Bashundhara Kings in the final on 19 May at the Kings Arena.
Match Summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Bashundhara Kings vs Brothers Union |
| Competition | Federation Cup – First Qualification |
| Result | Kings 4–0 Brothers Union |
| Venue | Kings Arena |
| Kings Scorers | Rakib Hossain, Darielton Gomes (2), Sabbir Hossain |
| Final Date | 19 May |
| Final Venue | Kings Arena |
Match Report
Kings made a rapid start, taking the lead in the third minute when Rakib Hossain finished clinically from a cross delivered by Sade Uddin. Brothers Union responded in the 13th minute but failed to convert a clear opportunity when Guinean forward Kérafala Kouyaté headed wide from a cross by midfielder Moltazim Alom.
The first half featured several key chances. Kings goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan denied a set-piece attempt from Pakistani winger Shaeek Dost in the 24th minute. Darielton Gomes briefly found the net with a bicycle kick in the 28th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Shortly after, his free-kick went over the bar.
Brothers Union goalkeeper Ishak Akand made a series of saves, including stopping an organised Kings attack in the 21st minute and denying Darielton in a one-on-one situation in the 42nd minute. Samuel Chigozie also tested the Kings defence, but his effort lacked power and was comfortably saved.
The second half began with a more aggressive spell from Brothers Union, who created multiple attacking movements but were unable to convert possession into goals. Kings gradually regained control of the match.
Darielton doubled the lead in the 71st minute, finishing calmly after being set up by Sade Uddin. Three minutes later, he scored again to complete his brace and extend Kings’ lead to 3–0. Substitute Sabbir Hossain added a fourth goal in the 88th minute to confirm a comprehensive victory.
Player and Team Notes
Darielton Gomes has now scored 15 goals in the Bangladesh Football League this season and has added nine goals in the Federation Cup, including the two in this match. His consistent scoring form has remained a key feature of Kings’ campaign.
Reports from team sources indicated that some foreign players, including Emmanuel Tony, Emmanuel Sunday and Raphael Augusto, did not feature in the match amid ongoing concerns regarding salary payments. However, the starting squad remained fully involved in securing the result.
With this victory, Bashundhara Kings continue their strong record in the Federation Cup and move into the final with an established track record of success in the competition.