Dhaka Abahani, Saif SC off the mark with winning starts

Six-time champions Dhaka Abahani Limited made a good start in 12-team Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) football tournament, beating Muktijoddha Sangsad KC 1-0 on a rain -soaked pitch at the Shaheed Ahsanullah Master Stadium in Tongi, reports UNB.

Newcomer Swadhinata KS made a big upset in the same venue on Thursday beating last two times champions Bashundhara Kings by 2-1 goals, but the popular sky blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani faced no trouble to beat the Muktijoddha Sangsad team on an uncharacteristic February day.

Brazilian striker Dorielton Gomes scored the match-winning goal for the Independent Cup and Federation Cup champions Dhaka Abahani in the 12th minute of the match.

In Friday’ s other match, Saif Sporting Club rose from slumber at the death to complete a 1-0 victory over Bangladesh Police FC, also in a rain soaked match at the Bir Shreshtha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj.

Rwanda defender Emery Bayisenge scored the all important goal for Saif SC in the stoppage time (90+2 minute) of the match.

The eleven-round first phase matches of BPL are now being held in two venues adjoining the capital -- Shaheed Ahsanullah Master Stadium in Tongi and the Bir Shreshtha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj, and it will continue till 19 or 20 March.