DHAKA, Dec 18, 2023 (BSS)- Ten men Bashundhara Kings retained the title of

the Independence Cup Football as they came from behind to beat Mohammedan
Sporting Club by 2-1 goals in the final held at Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani
Stadium in Gopalganj on Monday.

The grudge final saw some excitement after the first half. Bashundhara Kings
were reduced to ten men immediately after the break. Rafiqul Islam was shown
a red card by the referee for his bad tackle in the box.

After the barren first half, Mohammedan finally took the lead in the 51st
minute as their Nigerian forward Sunday Emmanuel sent the ball to the net
with a header capitalizing on a corner kick from Uzbek midfielder Mozaffarov
from the left flank.

However, the lead lasted for a minute as Bashundhara Kings staged a brilliant
fight back in the 52nd minute. Following a counter attack, Rakib took control
in the box and sent the ball home with a perfect shot.

The score line and pace of play between the two teams indicated extra time.
In the 82nd minute, the goal of Brazilian Dorielton, who was named the player
of the match for his impressive performance, changed all the scenario of the
match as he perfectly executed a through pass from his countryman Miguel.

Rakib Hossain of Bashundhara Kings was named the player of the tournament.

Bashundhara Kings lost 1-2 in the semi-final of the Federation Cup against
Mohammedan in the last season. This season, Kings took sweet revenge by
beating Mohammedan by the same margin in Independence Cup.