Bangla Press Desk: While men’s footballers are struggling under pressure, women athletes have been achieving one success after another, taking the country to new heights. In national and age-group competitions alike, victories for women are celebrated, while men’s teams often remain trapped in cycles of disappointment. Even players like Hamza Dewan Choudhury, Shamit Shome, and Fahamedul Islam, despite representing the national team, have struggled to inspire hope.
Amid this scenario, Bangladesh’s top two men’s clubs — Abahani in Dhaka and Bashundhara Kings in Doha — faced off in the AFC Challenge League. Both teams feature multiple national team players, and expectations were high. A loss for both on the same day could have added even more pressure on the country’s men’s footballers.
In the afternoon match, Dhaka Abahani’s campaign ended with a defeat to Kyrgyzstan’s Muras United. Meanwhile, Bashundhara Kings faced Syria’s Al-Karamah, eight-time champions of the Syrian league and former AFC Cup runners-up. Despite playing an away game at night, the Kings triumphed, defeating Al-Karamah and securing a place in the group stage. This victory maintained Bangladesh’s footballing reputation and could inspire the national team ahead of future competitions.
Before the match, fans were anxious after Abahani’s defeat. Kings’ players, mentally unsettled, faced additional challenges: Brazilian coach Sergio Farias, expected to lead the team, failed to arrive in time, leaving the squad without its head coach hours before kickoff. Only four foreign players, including Cuba Mitchell, had a day and a half of practice together. Despite these setbacks, the Kings overcame all obstacles to emerge victorious.
Bashundhara Kings uphold the standard
Banglapress
Published: 23 September 2025, 10:25 AM
Bangla Press Desk: While men’s footballers are struggling under pressure, women athletes have been achieving one success after another, taking the country to new heights. In national and age-group competitions alike, victories for women are celebrated, while men’s teams often remain trapped in cycles of disappointment. Even players like Hamza Dewan Choudhury, Shamit Shome, and Fahamedul Islam, despite representing the national team, have struggled to inspire hope.
Amid this scenario, Bangladesh’s top two men’s clubs — Abahani in Dhaka and Bashundhara Kings in Doha — faced off in the AFC Challenge League. Both teams feature multiple national team players, and expectations were high. A loss for both on the same day could have added even more pressure on the country’s men’s footballers.
In the afternoon match, Dhaka Abahani’s campaign ended with a defeat to Kyrgyzstan’s Muras United. Meanwhile, Bashundhara Kings faced Syria’s Al-Karamah, eight-time champions of the Syrian league and former AFC Cup runners-up. Despite playing an away game at night, the Kings triumphed, defeating Al-Karamah and securing a place in the group stage. This victory maintained Bangladesh’s footballing reputation and could inspire the national team ahead of future competitions.
Before the match, fans were anxious after Abahani’s defeat. Kings’ players, mentally unsettled, faced additional challenges: Brazilian coach Sergio Farias, expected to lead the team, failed to arrive in time, leaving the squad without its head coach hours before kickoff. Only four foreign players, including Cuba Mitchell, had a day and a half of practice together. Despite these setbacks, the Kings overcame all obstacles to emerge victorious.
The 1-0 scoreline barely reflects their dominance on the field. From goalkeeping to defence, midfield, and attack, Bashundhara Kings showcased remarkable teamwork. Emmanuel Sunday’s goal in the sixth minute was a highlight, proving why he was signed from Mohammedan. The attacking partnerships, including Dorielton and Rakib, promise a potent offensive line this season. Defender Saad Uddin and captain Tapu were flawless, while Rafael and others performed at full marks.
Congratulating the team, Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Mohammad Hazrat Ali Khan said, “We are proud of Bashundhara Kings. We wanted to hold an event where all members of the Bangladeshi community, especially those involved in sports, could celebrate together, and we are happy to have you here today.”
[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]
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