Dhaka: Defending champions Bashundhara Kings stormed into the final of the Bashundhara Group Federation Cup football, coming from behind to beat Rahmatganj Muslim and Friends Society by 2-1 in the second qualifier held at Bashundhara Kings arena in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Kings will now face Abahani Limited in the final match scheduled for April 22 at Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh. The match saw defenders Saad Uddin and Insan Hossain score one goal each for the Kings, while Gambian midfielder Soloman King netted the lone goal for Rahmatganj.
The game was goalless at halftime, with both teams battling evenly. Despite being the favorites on paper, Kings faced a tough challenge as Rahmatganj kept the scoreline clean until the first half ended.
The deadlock was broken in the 76th minute when Soloman scored for Rahmatganj with a shot from close range after receiving a pass from Nabib Newaj Jibon. Kings quickly responded six minutes later, with Saad Uddin equalizing through a header from inside the box.
With the score tied at the end of regulation time, the match proceeded to extra time. Substitute Insan Hossain secured the victory for Kings in the 113th minute with a header from a cross by Rakib Hossain. Earlier, Abahani Limited confirmed their spot in the final by defeating Bashundhara Kings 4-2 in a penalty shootout during the first qualifier match.