Title contenders and former champions Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra Ltd tasted their first defeat as they lost to Police Football Club by 0-1 goal in their home match of the ongoing ABG Bashundhara Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2023-24 at the Bashundhara Kings Arena on Saturday. 

After the barren first-half, Venezuelan forward Edward Enrique Morillo Jimenez scored the match winner with a volley while defender Rasel Hossain sent him the ball inside the box with a back header utilizing a long throw-in Kyrgyzs midfield Manas Karipov in the 65th minute. 

Sheikh Russel got two close chances to score at the mid of the first half, but their forward Sumon Reza and Japanese midfielder Kodai Iida wasted both opportunities.  

Former national player and former Sheikh Russel coach Shafiqul Islam Manik handed over the man of the match prize to Edward Morillo after the match.  

After the day’s defeat, Sheikh Russel slipped to fourth in the 10-team point table with their previous credit of 4 points from one win, one draw and one defeat while Police FC climbed up to third with 6 points from two wins and one defeat. 

Meanwhile, the fourth round of ABG Bashundhara BPL will begin with two matches on January 19 (Friday). 

Holders Bashundhara Kings will face Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Ltd in Gopalganj and Rahamatganj Muslim Friends Society will take on Fortis Football Club in Rajshahi.

BDST: 1821 HRS, JAN 13, 2024
MN