In a pulsating five-goal encounter, Dorielton Gomez emerged as the undeniable hero as Bashundhara Kings triumphed over Fortis FC 3–2 at the Kings Arena in a thrilling Premier League clash. The Brazilian forward’s hat-trick not only secured all three points but also reinforced Kings’ position at the summit of the league table with 24 points from 11 matches, three ahead of second-placed Fortis, who have 21 points from the same number of games. Five-time league champions, Kings now look firmly in control of the title race.
From the outset, the match was a relentless exchange of attacks and counter-attacks. Both sides fought fiercely in the first half, but Fortis drew first blood in the 19th minute. Nigerian striker Onyekachi Okafor converted a precise through ball from Pa Omar to give the visitors a 1–0 lead, briefly unsettling the home side.
Kings responded swiftly. In the 24th minute, Rakib Hossain was fouled inside the penalty box by Fortis defender Abdullah Omar, prompting the referee to award a spot-kick. Two minutes later, Gomez calmly converted from the penalty spot to restore parity at 1–1. Tempers flared shortly afterwards, with Abdullah receiving a yellow card for pulling Rakib. The first half ended with both sides level.
The second half saw Kings assert greater control. In the 52nd minute, a measured cross from Faisal Ahmed met Gomez’s touch, giving him his second goal and putting Kings 2–1 ahead. Despite Kings’ dominance, Fortis refused to capitulate. In the 75th minute, winger Dawa Shering delivered a precise corner, which Ananta Tamang expertly converted to equalise, making it 2–2.
However, the drama was far from over. Just three minutes later, in the 78th minute, Gomez produced a moment of magic, outmaneuvering Fortis’ defence to complete his hat-trick and secure a 3–2 victory for Kings, sending the home fans into raptures.
Elsewhere in the league on the same day, Abahani Limited defeated Brothers Munshiganj 2–1 in Munshiganj, while Arambagh KS overcame PWLD 3–0 in Gazipur. Abahani’s fifth win from 11 matches takes them to 19 points, placing them third, whereas Arambagh, with two victories from 11 games, sit ninth with nine points.
Premier League Standings (Top Three)
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bashundhara Kings | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 24 |
| 2 | Fortis FC | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 21 |
| 3 | Abahani Limited | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 19 |
Kings’ thrilling win and Gomez’s heroics have not only strengthened their claim for the title but also set the stage for an electrifying run-in as the league enters its decisive phase. Fortis, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to maintain their championship challenge, while Abahani and other contenders remain eager to close the gap at the top.