The classic rivalry delivered once again in the Bangladesh Football League 2025–26 season, as Mohammedan Sporting Club claimed a 3-2 victory over Abahani Limited at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Comilla. Mohammedan built a commanding three-goal lead before Abahani attempted a late comeback but fell just short.
This result marks Mohammedan’s first win of the season. Abahani, on the other hand, has now lost two out of three matches and sits eighth with only one point. Mohammedan climbed to seventh with four points, edging Abahani on goal difference.
Mohammedan Take Control Early
Rahim Uddin opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Uzbek midfielder Mozaffarov carried the ball from deep and released it perfectly for Rahim, who took advantage of a vacant net after goalkeeper Mitul Marma was out of position.
“We stayed focused and followed the plan from the first whistle,” a Mohammedan staff member commented on their aggressive start.
Emmanuel KK doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, putting Abahani under heavy pressure going into the break.
Fourteen minutes into the second half, Ghanaian striker Samuel Boateng added the third goal with a superb header from a Zahid Hasan cross. Boateng, last season’s top scorer, continued his strong form after joining Mohammedan from Rahmatganj.
Abahani Fight Back But Fall Short
Abahani’s response came in the 72nd minute through Papon Singh, who struck a powerful long-range effort from midfield. Moments later, Sheikh Morsalin — newly signed from Bashundhara Kings — scored from an Al-Amin cross to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
The Sky Blues pushed hard for an equalizer, but Mohammedan held firm until the final whistle.
“We showed spirit in the second half, but mistakes cost us,” an Abahani official said after the defeat.
Kings Go Top; Sponsorship Confusion Sparks Debate
Elsewhere, Bashundhara Kings defeated Arambagh Krira Sangha 2-0 at the Shaheed Miraj-Tapan Stadium in Manikganj, taking them to the top of the league with seven points. Police FC and Fortis played out a goalless draw, while Brothers Union beat Fakirerpool Youngmen’s Club 2-0.
Off the pitch, a sponsorship controversy made headlines. The BFF initially announced Petronas as the league sponsor, but the Malaysian company later clarified that it was not sponsoring any league in Bangladesh. BFF then issued a statement explaining that the actual sponsor is United Healthcare under United Group, and that Petronas’ logo was mistakenly used due to a misunderstanding, as United Group is a local dealer of the brand.
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