Kings go top with 5-0 rout as Mohammedan slump

Bashundhara Kings stormed to the top of the Bangladesh Football League table with a commanding 5-0 victory over Rahmatgonj MFS, while Mohammedan Sporting Club suffered a setback as they crashed to a 2-0 defeat against Young Men's Fakirerpool in Manikganj on Saturday.

At their home venue, Kings looked ruthless from the outset. The five-time champions broke the deadlock in the 27th minute through Rakib Hossain, who finished off a fluent attacking move. Just before the breather, Faysal Ahmed Fahim doubled the lead with a neat strike in the 45th minute, ensuring Kings went into halftime firmly in control.

The second half turned into a one-way show as Kings piled on the pressure. Centre-back Topu Barman added the third in the 71st minute before Nigerian forward Emmanuel Agbaji made it 4-0 just three minutes later, capitalising on Rahmatgonj's defensive frailties. Brazilian striker Dorielton Gomes completed the rout in the 78th minute with a composed finish.

While Kings soared, Mohammedan endured a frustrating outing at the Shaheed Miraj–Tapan Stadium in Manikganj, where they fell 2-0 to Young Men's Fakirerpool. Only days after defeating arch-rivals Abahani, Alfaz Ahmed's side appeared lacklustre and disjointed against the spirited newcomers.

The first half remained goalless despite both sides creating half-chances. Fakirerpool, who beat Mohammedan last season in their debut campaign, broke the deadlock just two minutes into the second half. Amid a goalmouth scramble, Irfan Hossain reacted quickest to guide the ball home, putting Fakirerpool ahead.

They nearly doubled the lead in the 49th minute, but Mohammedan keeper Shakib Al Hasan's timely clearance denied further damage. Shakib, however, could not prevent the second goal in the 61st minute, when Ivorian forward Ben Ibrahim Ouattara dribbled past three defenders, exchanged a clever one-two with Arian Hossain and slotted in with composure to make it 2-0.

In the day's other match, Brothers Union held Bangladesh Police to a goalless draw at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur. The single point lifted Brothers to third place with three points.

With today's victory, Fakirerpool climbed to eighth with four points, overtaking Mohammedan, who dropped to ninth on equal points but behind on goal difference.