Kings cruise and Abahani run riot in Premier League return

Bashundhara Kings marked International Mother Language Day by wearing jerseys with players' names written in Bengali, celebrating the occasion with a convincing victory over Chattogram Abahani as the second phase of the Bangladesh Premier League resumed.

At Mymensingh's Rafiquddin Bhuiyan Stadium on 22 february, Kings secured a comfortable 2-0 win, following up their 7-0 thrashing of the same side in the first leg.

Elsewhere, Abahani recovered from an early setback to dismantle Fakirerpool Youngmen's 6-1 at Comilla's Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium, having previously beaten them 2-0.

After ten rounds, Mohammedan remain top with 27 points, while Abahani sit second with 23, closing the gap on their arch-rivals. Kings are third with 20 points.

Kings took control from the start in Mymensingh and broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Sohel Rana Junior's clever through ball found Faisal Ahmed Fahim, who slipped past the defence before calmly slotting home.

Eight minutes later, Rakib Hossain's strike struck Rakib Khan Evan's hand inside the area, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Miguel Figueira Damasceno made no mistake from the spot, doubling Kings' lead despite goalkeeper Arman's correct dive.

Chattogram Abahani's best chance came in the 65th minute when Rabbi Hossain Rahul rounded the keeper, only for captain Fazle Rabbi to make a stunning goal-line clearance with an outstretched foot.

Controversy followed in the 75th minute as Damasceno was brought down by Arman, resulting in another penalty. However, referee Nasir Uddin overturned his decision after consulting his assistants, awarding a goal kick instead.

In Comilla, Fakirerpool took a surprise lead in the 14th minute when Saim Hasan finished a well-worked move involving Shanto Tudor.

Abahani responded in the 39th minute through Mohammad Hridoy, and the second half belonged entirely to the Sky Blues.

Enamul Islam Gazi put Abahani ahead in the 54th minute, finishing from a Hridoy pass. He struck again seven minutes later, this time assisted by Mohammad Ibrahim.

Ibrahim added a goal of his own in the 78th minute, while Jafar Iqbal found the net three minutes later. Mirajul Islam completed the rout in the 87th minute, sealing an emphatic victory.

With this round complete, the league takes another break as Bangladesh's national team prepares for the third round of AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against India on 25 march. The league's second phase will resume with the 11th round in april.