Bangladesh Football League: Kings crowned champions once again

Bashundhara Kings reclaimed the Bangladesh Football League title in style, clinching their sixth championship with a match to spare after a commanding 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Abahani Limited in Cumilla on Friday afternoon.

The much-anticipated title-deciding clash at the Bhasha Shoinik Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium unfolded as a tense and evenly balanced contest before the Kings produced a devastating second-half display to crush Abahani’s hopes of lifting the trophy.

The opening half ended goalless, with both sides locked in a fiercely competitive battle. Neither team managed to gain the upper hand, as the two heavyweights cancelled each other out across the field and left the title race hanging delicately at halftime.

After the restart, however, Bashundhara Kings raised the intensity in search of a decisive breakthrough. Brazilian star Dorielton Gomes nearly created the opener early in the second half when he slipped a brilliant pass to an unmarked Mohammad Hridoy, whose powerful effort was heroically blocked by Abahani defender Yasin Khan.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 73rd minute. Dorielton once again turned provider, finding Foysal Ahmed Fahim with a clever pass inside the penalty area. As Foysal drove forward, he was brought down clumsily by an Abahani defender, leaving the referee with no hesitation in awarding a penalty.

Dorielton calmly converted from the spot to hand the Kings a crucial lead and put them firmly in control of the title race.

Just three minutes later, the champions-elect sealed the contest in spectacular fashion. Sohel Rana picked up the ball on the edge of the area and curled a stunning shot toward goal. Despite a full-length dive from goalkeeper Mitul Marma, the strike flew into the back of the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Kings players and supporters.

The quickfire double shattered Abahani’s resistance, allowing Bashundhara Kings to comfortably see out the remainder of the match.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory and officially crowned Bashundhara Kings as the 2025-26 Bangladesh Football League champions. With an unassailable lead at the top of the table, their final fixture against Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club will now serve as a celebratory finale for the undisputed kings of Bangladeshi football.