Fortis upset Kings, Brothers run riot against Wanderers in Federation Cup
The result at Kings Arena came as a shock for the defending league champions, who have been near-unbeatable in domestic football.
Bashundhara Kings endured a surprising setback in the Federation Cup, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Fortis FC on 17 December at Kings Arena.
In the day's other fixture, Brothers Union dominated Dhaka Wanderers with an emphatic 8-0 win in Mymensingh, fuelled by double hat-tricks from Mustafa Drammeh and Sajjad Hossain.
The result at Kings Arena came as a shock for the defending league champions, who have been near-unbeatable in domestic football.
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However, with losses in two of their last five matches this season, questions are now being asked about their consistency.
After falling to Mohammedan in the Premier League last week, Kings failed to recover at home, as Fortis claimed a memorable victory.
The first half saw the home side create chances but fail to convert. Fortis gradually found their footing, and their disciplined counter-attacking paid off in the second half. Uzbek defender Jasur Jumayev broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, rising above the defence to head in a corner delivered by Ukrainian midfielder Valerii Rishin.
Seven minutes later, Mohammad Abdullah doubled the lead with a composed finish, leaving Kings' goalkeeper Anisur Rahman stranded.
Kings, fielding a rotated squad, struggled to make an impact. The likes of Chandon Roy, Rabbi Hossain Rahul, and Zahid Hossain failed to seize their opportunities, while key Brazilian duo Miguel Ferreira and Jonathan Fernandez also disappointed on the day.
With this result, Fortis moved to the top of Group A with four points from two matches. Kings, meanwhile, slipped to third place with three points.
Brothers' eight-goal dominance in Mymensingh
At the Rafique Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium, Brothers Union delivered a masterclass against Dhaka Wanderers, hammering them 8-0. Mustafa Drammeh and Sajjad Hossain stole the spotlight with hat-tricks, while Elita Kingsley and Kawsar Ali Rabbi chipped in with goals of their own.
The rout began early, with Kawsar putting Brothers ahead in the 8th minute.
Mustafa extended the lead in the 24th minute, and just four minutes later, Sajjad made it 3-0. By half-time, Wanderers already looked defeated.
The second half brought more misery for the Dhaka side.
Sajjad scored again early after the break before Wanderers were reduced to 10 men in the 61st minute when Mahabub Hossain Fahim was shown a red card.
Brothers wasted no time in taking full advantage. Mustafa completed his hat-trick with goals in the 65th and 70th minutes, showcasing his clinical finishing.
Sajjad then completed his own hat-trick in the 81st minute, and Kingsley added the eighth in stoppage time.
The emphatic victory was Brothers' first win of the competition, taking them to second place in Group A, tied on three points with Kings but ahead on goal difference.
Wanderers, meanwhile, remain winless and rooted to the bottom.
