Former champions Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra progressed to the 3rd slot in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football 2022-23 beating Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club by 2-1 goal at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla on Saturday, reports UNB.

After a goalless first half, Nigerian forward Kenneth Ikechukwu put Sheikh Russel KC ahead in the 51st minute (1-0) while another Nigerian striker Sunday Emmanuel restored the parity for Mohammedan SC in the 67th minute (1-1)

With the day's feat, Sheikh Sheikh KC moved up to the 3rd place in the league table toppling Sheikh Jamal DC (20 pts) and Dhaka Mohammedan SC securing 21 points from 13 matches while Mohammedan SC went down to 5th slot with their previous credit of 19 points from 14 encounters.

Defending champions and current league leader Bashundhara Kings are now in handshake distance from league crown securing 40 points from 14 matches as their nearest rivals Dhaka Abahani Ltd are almost out of the race with 30 points from 14 encounters.

In previous matches on Friday, Bashundhara Kings outplayed Muktijoddha Sangsad KC by 4-0 goals, Dhaka Abahani beat Bangladesh Police FC by 4-1 goal while Sheikh Jamal DC drew 2-2 with lowly Chittagong Abahani Ltd.

In the day's other match, Rahmatganj MFS defeated relegation-bound and bottom-placed Azampur FC, Uttara by 3-2 goal at the Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh Saturday afternoon.

Mali striker U Diallo scored twice (32nd and 55th minutes) while local Samin (73rd) scored the other goal for the old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj MFS while Colombian booter Maturana Hurtado (24th) and Sakib Bepari (54th) netted for Azampur FC.

Newcomers Azampur Football Club of Uttara remained at the bottom (11th slot) of the eleven- team league with three points from 13 encounters while Chittagong Abahani (10th slot) are also in the relegation fear with ten points from 13 outings.

Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque