SPORTS REPORTER
Title contenders Mohammedan SC will look to strengthen their lead in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) when they face five-time champions Bashundhara Kings at the Bashundhara Kings Arena today.
With nine wins in ten matches, league leaders Mohammedan have boosted their chances of clinching their first-ever professional league title. However, they now face a tough challenge against the Kings in their first match following a lengthy seven-week break.
Though Mohammedan had less training during the break compared to the Kings, the Black and White outfit remain confident of picking up where they left off.
Both teams bolstered their squads by signing new foreign players, and today’s fixture is expected to be a thrilling encounter. The outcome could play a decisive role in the title race, with Mohammedan currently leading the Kings by seven points in the 10-team table.
“Every match is very important for us. Of course, Kings are a big hurdle, and we’ll need to give extra effort on their home ground, especially after the long break,” said Mohammedan head coach Alfaz Ahmed. He added that the Mohammedan are aiming for victory, having previously defeated the Kings 1-0 in their first league meeting.
The Kings, on the other hand, have struggled with inconsistency, mainly due to underperformance from their forwards. During the break, they strengthened their attacking line by signing new foreign forwards. Although these additions did not yield results in the Federation Cup -- where they lost to Abahani in a penalty shootout -- the reigning champions are determined to bounce back in the league as they pursue a record sixth straight title.
Meanwhile, fellow title contenders Abahani, who are four points behind Mohammedan, will also be in action today against Dhaka Wanderers Club.
In yesterday’s fixtures, Rahmatganj defeated Chittagong Abahani 2-0 in Mymensingh, with Tanvir Hossain and Samuel Boateng scoring in the 28th and 45th minutes, respectively. In Gazipur, Bangladesh Police FC thrashed Farashganj Young Men’s Club 3-0, with MS Bablu netting a brace and Dipok Roy adding one.