Dorielton Double Propels Bashundhara Kings Into Final

Bashundhara Kings secured their place in the Federation Cup final for the sixth time following a commanding 4-0 victory over Brothers Union in the first qualifier held at the Kings Arena. Brazilian striker Dorielton Gomes was the protagonist of the match, netting a brace to continue his prolific scoring form. Having reached the final five times previously, the Kings have a distinguished record in the competition, securing the trophy on four of those occasions.

Match Report: Dominance at Kings Arena

The holders wasted no time in asserting their authority, taking the lead in the 3rd minute. Rakib Hossain found the back of the net with a clinical diagonal shot following a precise delivery from Saad Uddin on the right flank. Brothers Union, representing Gopibagh, attempted a swift response in the 13th minute. Guinean forward Kerfala Kouyate met a cross from midfielder Moltazim Alam, but his headed effort failed to hit the target.

As the first half progressed, the Kings maintained pressure. In the 21st minute, Brothers’ goalkeeper Ishak Akhand produced a vital save to deny a coordinated Kings attack. Dorielton nearly doubled the lead in the 28th minute with a spectacular bicycle kick, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Minutes later, the Brazilian missed another opportunity, sending a free-kick over the crossbar.

Brothers Union had their own chances; a 24th-minute free-kick from Pakistani winger Shayek Dost was parried by Kings’ custodian Mehedi Hasan. In the 35th minute, Samuel Chigozi received a pass from Monir Alam inside the box, but his weak shot was easily gathered by Hasan. Just before the interval, Dorielton missed a one-on-one opportunity as Akhand rushed out to block his strike.

The second half began with Brothers Union showing renewed intent, keeping the Kings’ defence busy with successive attacks. However, their lack of clinical finishing proved costly. The Kings regained control in the 71st minute when Dorielton calmly finished another assist from Saad Uddin. Three minutes later, Dorielton struck again to make it 3-0. The rout was completed in the 88th minute when Sabbir Hossain scored the fourth goal.

Internal Challenges and Tournament Standings

Despite the on-field success, Bashundhara Kings are reportedly facing internal discord regarding player wages. Team sources indicated that Emmanuel Tony, Emmanuel Sunday, and Raphael Augusto were absent from the matchday squad due to unpaid salaries.

Road to the Final

In the day’s other fixture, Mohammedan SC secured their spot in the second qualifier by defeating Rahmatganj MFS 3-0 at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Comilla.

The tournament structure dictates that Brothers Union will have a second chance to reach the final. They are scheduled to face Mohammedan SC in the second qualifier on 12 May. The winner of that encounter will meet Bashundhara Kings in the grand final on 19 May at the Kings Arena.