Defending champions Bashundhara Kings completed their first phase engagements of the 10-team ABG Bashundhara Bangladesh  Premier League (BPL) Football with 1-1 draw against Sheikh Russel KC at their home venue-- Bashundhara Kings Arena --Friday evening.

Despite the day's draw, Bashundhara Kings comfortably dominated the first phase league securing 22 points, Mohammedan SC, the lone unbeaten team in the league,  followed the Kings distantly securing 17 points while Dhaka Abahani Ltd in the 3rd slot collecting 15 points,  playing all the nine first phase matches, reports UNB.

Coming from behind in the day's match, four times champions Bashundhara Kings settled for the first draw in the league playing with 10-man for  49 minutes. 

After a barren  first half, Japanese midfielder Kodai put Sheikh Russel KC ahead in the very first minute of the 2nd half, capitalizing on a Sumon Reza pass   (1-0).

Local striker Rakib Hossain equalized the margin for the Kings in the 67th minute by a left footed volley when an attempt of Robinho came his way from opponent custodian Mitul Marma (1-1).

The Kings suffered a big blow in the match as their most reliable Brazilian forward Dorielton Gomes got marching order in the 41st minute of the match  after receiving a direct red card. 

Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque