Bashundhara Kings Triumph Over Mohammedan in Independence Cup Final

The stark contrast of red cards played a pivotal role in Bashundhara Kings' recent victory over Mohammedan in the Independence Cup final, highlighting a dramatic turnaround for the team. Just a week prior, Bashundhara Kings suffered heartbreak due to a red card against Odisha FC, and a similar fate seemed imminent in the Independence Cup final against Mohammedan

SBS Desk

December 18, 2023

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SPORTS

Bashundhara Kings Triumph Over Mohammedan in Independence Cup Final

Despite facing the disappointment of a red card and a one-player deficit for 45 minutes, Bashundhara Kings demonstrated resilience, initially falling behind but ultimately securing a sweet victory at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj. Oscar Brujon's team emerged triumphant, clinching the Independence Cup for the second consecutive time with a 2-1 win over Mohammedan.

In this feat, Bashundhara Kings not only secured victory over Mohammedan but also shared the record for the maximum three titles in the Independence Cup. The white-black camp had held this record previously, but now Bashundhara Kings stand as equal titleholders.

Bashundhara Kings exhibited aggressive play from the outset in Gopalganj. While Mohammedan relied on Suleiman Diab to test the opposition, Bashundhara Kings strategically defended against the attacks. Rafiqul Islam of Bashundhara Kings had an early opportunity in the 4th minute, but his weak shot went wide of the post. As the game progressed, Robinho's strong shot in the 14th minute was blocked by the Mohammedan goalkeeper.

The pace of the game slowed, but Bashundhara Kings had another promising chance in the 36th minute, with Sohel Rana's excellent cross not capitalized on by Darialtan Gomez.

Drama unfolded early in the second half when Bashundhara's Rafiqul Islam received a red card in the 47th minute for an incident with Mohammedan's Omar Farooq Babu. Despite the setback, Mohammedan seized the opportunity, with Nigerian forward Emmanuel Sunday scoring a perfect header from Muzaffarov's corner, putting them in the lead.

Undeterred by the goal, Bashundhara Kings swiftly leveled the score despite being a player down. In the 53rd minute, Rakib Hossain capitalized on a blocked shot, sending the ball into the net with a left-footed strike.

As the evenly-matched contest approached extra time, Darielton Gomez struck a decisive blow for Bashundhara Kings. Four minutes before the end of the scheduled 90 minutes, the Brazilian forward scored the title-winning goal, capitalizing on a defensive pass from compatriot Miguel Damasina that sailed over the Mohammedan goalkeeper's head and into the net."