Anisur Rahman Zico was the hero for Bashundhara Kings as they swept into the semi-final of the Federation Cup, beating Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra 4-1 in the penalty shootout of the last quarter-final at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Tuesday evening.
Lebanese striker Jalal Kdouh gave the Kings an early breakthrough before Mahadi Hasan Royel leveled the score in the second half.
The 30 minutes of extra time ended goalless.
Zico, last season’s Independence Cup hero, denied Norito Hashiguchi and Tarikul Islam in the shootout, while Baktyiar Duishobekov, Delmonte, Atiqur Rahman Fahad and Daniel Colindres converted their chances to set up a semi-final clash against Police Football Club.
Oscar Bruzon made a number of changes after defeat in their last group match against Chittagong Abahani Limited.
Kings' Jalal Kdouh celebrates after scoring Dhaka Tribune
Topu Barman started for the first time this season after having been ruled out for more than six months due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and was substituted in the second half.
The Bangladesh Premier League champion took the lead in the third minute, when an unmarked Kdouh tapped home a cutback from Matin Mia on the right side.
Matin, who started on the right wing, could have doubled the lead in the 17th minute had he not fallen down while attempting to meet a fine lay-off from Costa Rican World Cup participant Daniel Colindres.
Colindres hit the back of the net himself a few minutes later, but was flagged offside.
It was the Muktis who were livelier in the second half and Cameroonian striker Paul Emile managed to dribble past Bashundhara keeper Anisur Rahman Zico, but his weak attempt rolled wide.
Kdouh in action Dhaka Tribune
Royel equalized in the 76th minute, nutmegging Zico after defender Yeasin Khan failed to deal with a long ball.
In the 115th minute, Argentine defender Nicolas Delmonte saw his effort from 30 yards denied by the woodwork.
Muktis coach Abdul Kayum Sentu praised his players for their overall performance, while Spanish tactician Bruzon rued missed chances and a shaky display in the second half, especially after conceding the goal.
He also complained that the pitch was not in good condition.
RESULT
Muktijoddha 1 (Royel 76) 1 Bashundhara (Kdouh 3)
Bashundhara won 4-1 on penalties