Defending champions Bashundhara Kings earned a comfortable 2-0 win over Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Limited in the third quarter-final and sealed their place in the semis of the ongoing Walton Federation Cup at Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS) on Sunday.

Argentine-born Chilean forward Raul Oscar Becerra and Brazilian forward Robson Azevedo da Silva Robinho scored one each in two halves respectively and helped Kings book their spot for last four.

The big-budgeted club will now play against the winner of fourth and final quarter-final on December 7. The fourth quarter-final between Dhaka Abahani Limited and Uttar Baridhara Club is scheduled to be held today at the same venue at 04:00pm.

Kings controlled the whole match in their own style with their Latin trio -- Raul, Robson and Brazilian midfielder Jonathan da Silveira Fernandes Reis successfully put pressure on Sheikh Jamal's defence line from the very beginning of the game.

In the third minute, Kings got a chance to open the account but Raul missed the target after Robson sent the ball inside the box to him from a corner.  

Raul finally got success for Kings seven minutes later with a right-footer shot utilizing a cross from Fernandes which was built up by defender Bishwanath Ghosh (1-0).

Kings got two more close chances in the 24th and 34th minutes, but Zoni wasted the first chance and Sheikh Jamal’s local defender Md Mozammel Hossain Nira smartly denied Raul’s close-range chip-in shot from the goal-line.

Sheikh Jamal, who were struggling to take control of the midfield, got a close chance to level the margin in the 42nd minute. But Gambian defender Pa Omar Jobe shot went off the target from inside the box.  

Kings continued their domination over Sheikh Jamal in the second half and in the 63rd minute, Mahbubur Rahman Sufil’s header was smartly denied by Sheikh Jamal goalkeeper Mamun Khan in the first attempt before Raul’s returning shot hit the sidebar in the second attempt.

Robson wasted two more close chances in the 68th and 77th minute -- the Brazilian forward’s shot went off the target in the first chance while Jamal's goalkeeper Mamun denied the second chance.

In the 89th minute, Robson finally scored the goal from a direct free-kick from near to the box and sealed the fate of the match (2-0) after Sheikh Jamal’s goalkeeper Mamun wrongfully tackled Fernandes nearer to the box.    

Kings Spanish coach Oscar Bruzon expressed his satisfaction with his side’s performance in the match and was confident to retain the title this year.

“I think our team, with a big change from last year, was very solid. We are working very well,” the Spainard said after the day’s match.

“I feel our team is looking solid and confident and we are ready to try to fight in the next hardle and get the title. My view about the game is that today we saw a vertical game for all sides. Sheikh Jamal was not trying to build up but they were trying to stress our defensive line,” he added.

BDST: 1119 HRS, JAN 04, 2021
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