Defending champions Bashundhara Kings began their campaign in the 10-team Bashundhara Group Federation Cup 2024-25 with a 1-0 victory over Brothers Union Ltd at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla on Tuesday.

Following a goalless first half, defender Tapu Barman secured the win for Kings in the 69th minute with a precise header. The goal came after Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira delivered a cross into the box, which a Brothers Union player failed to intercept.

In another match of the day, Police Football Club and Fortis FC played to a goalless draw at the Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh.

Bashundhara Kings, placed in a five-team group, will take on Fortis FC, Police FC, and Dhaka Wanderers Club in their remaining group matches on December 17, December 31, and January 28 at the Kings Arena and in Mymensingh, respectively.

Group B consists of runners-up Mohammedan Sporting Club Ltd, Abahani Ltd Dhaka, Chittagong Abahani Ltd, Rahamatganj Muslim Friends Society, and Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club. Their matches will commence on December 10.

The top teams from Groups A and B will face off in the Qualification Round to Final 1 on April 8 in Cumilla, while the second-placed teams from both groups will meet in Qualification Round to Final 2 on April 15 in Mymensingh.

The winners of Qualification Round 1 will advance directly to the final, while the losers will compete against the winners of Qualification Round 2 in Qualification Round to Final 3 to secure the remaining spot in the final. This match is scheduled for April 22 at the Kings Arena.

The final of the Federation Cup will take place on May 2, with the venue yet to be confirmed.

BDST: 2142 HRS, DEC 03, 2024
MSK