Nigeria-born footballer Eleta Kingsley scored his first goal for Bashundhara Kings as they earned a 2-1 win against Rahamatgonj Muslim Friends Society at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the capital on Saturday.

The 31-year-old Kingsley made his first appearance memorable for the league leaders with a powerful header, off a perfect cross from Brazilian midfielder Jonathan da Silveira Fernandes Reis in the 29th minute (1-0).

After scoring the first goal as a Bangladeshi footballer, Kingsley becomes emotional and said that he wanted to continue scoring goals for Kings.

“This is my first official match as a Bangladeshi national and I’m very much excited to score in the local sports. I wish to score more in the future. This is all I have to say because the team I’m playing for are working very hard. I take inspiration from coaches and players and I believe we will finish with more goals,” he added.

Struggling Rahamatgonj managed to level the margin when Ivorian forward Lorougnon Christ Remi smartly sent the ball home, off a long pass from Nigerian forward Felix Chidi Odili in the 38th minute (1-1).

But confident Kings, who had been hankering after a win, sealed the fate of the match just after six minutes when Argentine forward Raul Becerra buried the ball with a header, off a set piece from Jonathan (2-1).

Both teams failed to extend their margin in the second half of the game. Kings expatriate youngster Tariq Kazi, who came in the place of defender Sushanto Tripura in the 72nd minute, got a direct marching order due to being involved in an unexpected hassle with the match referee in the 87th minute.

Kings Iranian defender Khaled Shafiei also conceded a yellow card during the match.

However, the win took Kings on to 46 points from 15 wins and a draw, 14 points clear of the nearest  Dhaka Abahani Ltd. the leaders also maintained their unbeaten for 21-match, including 5-match of Federation Cup, in the ongoing domestic season.

On the other hand, Rahamatgonj remained 9th slot with their previous 14 points from 3 wins, 5 draws and 8 defeats.

BDST: 2123 HRS, JUN 26, 2021
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