The red-hot Bashundhara Kings continued their relentless pursuit of silverware, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over 12-time champions Abahani Limited in the Federation Cup semi-final on Tuesday. Played at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani Stadium in Gopalganj, the triumph marked a dominant display by the Kings and their second consecutive win over their arch-rivals Abahani within a mere 11 days.
From the get-go, Bashundhara Kings seized control of the game, dictating the tempo and frustrating the Abahani defense. Their dominance translated into goals as skipper Robinho, ever the leader, broke the deadlock just before the first-half whistle. This crucial goal not only provided the Kings with a vital lead but also instilled confidence in their ranks.
The second half mirrored the first, with the Kings maintaining their stranglehold on possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. The relentless pressure paid off in the 71st minute when Brazilian forward Dorielton Gomes doubled the lead. This marked Gomes' second goal of the tournament, further solidifying his attacking prowess.
Abahani, despite a valiant effort, struggled to penetrate the resolute Kings defense and create clear-cut chances. Their woes deepened when forward Mohammad Ibrahim put the game beyond doubt with a goal in the dying moments of the second half. The final whistle confirmed a resounding victory for the Kings, sending their passionate fans into a frenzy.
Following the triumph, a jubilant Coach Oscar Bruzon acknowledged the team's performance as "a great achievement." However, he emphasized their unwavering focus on the ultimate prize: lifting the Federation Cup trophy. Coach Bruzon's words encapsulated the Kings' unwavering ambition as they set their sights on adding another title to their ever-growing collection.
Meanwhile, Abahani coach Andres Cruciani expressed his disappointment at the outcome. He attributed the loss to his team's offensive struggles, highlighting their inability to convert scoring opportunities. Coach Cruciani's comments reflected the frustration of the Abahani faithful, who witnessed their team fall short against a formidable opponent.
The convincing win over Abahani propelled the Bashundhara Kings into the Federation Cup final, where they will face Mohammedan Sporting Club on May 21st at the Rafique Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh. With their confidence soaring and momentum firmly on their side, the Kings march forward, determined to etch their name on the Federation Cup trophy and solidify their dominance in Bangladeshi football.
