Bashundhara Kings earned their maiden domestic treble as they beat last year’s champions Mohammedan Sporting Club Ltd by 2-1 goals in the final of the ABG Bashundhara Federation Cup 2023-24 at the crowded Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh on Wednesday (May 22). Kings earlier won two titles – season’s curtain raiser Independence Cup 2023-24 and ABG Bashundhara Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2023-24 – crushing the same opponents Mohammedan SC by the same 2-1 goals margin.
With the feat, Kings became the third team in the history of Bangladesh football after Mohammedan SC and Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra Ltd to win the domestic treble.
Mohammedan were the first club to complete a domestic treble in 2002 while Sheikh Russel became the second club in 2012.
Substitute midfielder Jahid Hossen sealed the fate of the day’s crucial final for Kings with a right-footed shot from the goalmouth melee in the first half of the extra time (105+1st minute) after the match tied at 1-1 in the stipulated 90 minutes.
Jahid, who opened his account in the country’s top tier professional league on this day, seized the chance when Mohammedan goalkeeper Sujon Hossain dropped the ball – off a corner – under pressure from his captain Malian forward Souleymane Diabate nearer the goalline.
But, Mohammedan players and team management claimed to rule out the goal and left the pitch blaming the poor decisions of referees. The situation became worse when Mohammedan's fanatic fans started to throw the bottles towards Kings’ players, officials and referees.
The law enforcement agency and the ground authority finally took control of the situation after a while and the match resumed from the second half of the extra time.
However, it was not the first time that the match was interrupted as both finalists had been complaining against referees’ poor decisions from the beginning of the match.
Earlier, Nigerian forward Sunday Chukwuemeka Emmanuel scored from outside of the box breaching Kings defence line in the 63rd minute while Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira scored an equalizer with a left footed shot at the edge of the box in the 87th minute.
Despite these goals, both teams created several chances to score throughout the match, but failed to extend their margin.
Kings dominated the first half with their aggressive playing strategy while Mohammedan came alive after the halftime and created their chances from the counter attacks.
Meanwhile, Kings captain Kings’ Brazilian skipper Robson was adjudged the best player of the tournament while his teammate Mehdi Hasan Srabon became the best goalkeeper and Brazilian midfielder Miguel became the man of the fina.
Abahani Ltd Dhaka Brazilian forward Washington Brandao dos Santos became the top goal scorer as he scored the highest five goals in the tournament.
Bangladesh Football Federation Vice-President, BFF’s Professional League Management Committee (PLMC) Chairman and Bashundhara Kings President Imrul Hassan handed over the trophies and medals among the teams and players.
