Dorielton fires Kings past Mohammedan to stretch BFL lead

Brazilian forward Dorielton Gomes once again proved to be the difference-maker as Bashundhara Kings came from behind to register a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mohammedan SC in a crucial Bangladesh Football League (BFL) match at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla on Thursday.

The win -- their 10th of the campaign -- allowed the five-time champions to tighten their grip at the top of the 10-team table with 34 points from 15 matches. They now sit six points clear of Abahani Limited, who have a game in hand, while Mohammedan remain stuck in sixth place with 17 points.

Coming into the match after dropping points against Rahmatganj MFS in mid-April, Kings were under pressure to maintain their cushion at the top, especially with a reduced foreign player presence. But Dorielton delivered when it mattered most, scoring the decisive goal in the second half after setting up the equaliser earlier.

Mohammedan started brightly and controlled much of the first half, creating several clear chances. However, Saurov Dewan failed to capitalise on two good opportunities, while Uzbekistan midfielder Mozaffarjon Muzafforov finally broke the deadlock in the 28th minute to give the Black and Whites a deserved lead.

Kings responded in stoppage time of the first half when Faisal Ahmed Fahim brought them level, shifting momentum before the break.

After the restart, the defending champions gradually asserted control. Dorielton then combined brilliantly with Fahim, with the latter turning provider as the Brazilian striker struck the winner in the 69th minute.

Mohammedan pushed for an equaliser late on, but Kings goalkeeper Sujan Hossain stood firm, denying multiple attempts. Saurov Dewan also missed another late chance that could have rescued a point for MSC.

Meanwhile, at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Flight Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj, Brothers Union and Arambagh KS shared points in a 2-2 draw.

Ghanaian forwards Kwame Kizito and Ben Nash Quansah put Arambagh ahead with a goal each in the first half, but Brothers fought back through Mohsin Ahmed and Meraj Prodhan, who scored in the second half to ensure a share of the spoils.

Both Brothers Union and Arambagh KS now sit level on 14 points from 15 matches, with Brothers ahead only on goal difference.