Daniel Colindres shone brightly in his maiden center-forward appearance as Bashundhara Kings brushed aside Bangladesh Police Football Club 3-0 in the second semi-final of the TVS Federation Cup at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Friday.
The Costa Rican World Cup star, who usually plays as winger, earned a penalty for Topu Barman’s early opener, before netting his first goal of the season in the latter half as Bashundhara reached the final for the second consecutive time.
Bashundhara, who lost to Abahani Limited in the previous edition’s final, will face highly-spirited Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society Sunday in their bid to clinch their first ever Federation Cup title as Oscar Bruzon announced Friday, “This win is nothing if we don’t win the final.”
Police head coach Nicolas Vitorovic’s concerns appeared real as the lack of experience and depth in the squad eventually made the difference after his side orchestrated some threats in the first 10 minutes, which ended with goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico tipping away Bulgarian midfielder Laskov Antonio’s free-kick.
Kings soon took control though.
Topu marked his return after a long break with a goal from the spot in the 17th minute.
A delightful defence-splitting through pass by Baktyiar Duishobekov gave no option to Khan Mohammad Tara but to tackle Colindres from behind.
Colindres bids to evade the attention of a Police player Dhaka Tribune
Colindres, the man of the match, looked more lively after resumption as he doubled the lead within five minutes with a fine run and dodge past Artur Muladzhanov before firing past Police keeper Arifuzzaman Himel.
Bashundhara continued to be in imperious mood as highest-paid local signing Emon Mahmud replaced Mahbubur Rahman Sufil, and Delmonte completed the rout in the added time after cutting inside three Police players at the top of the box before hitting past Himel’s gloves with a robust strike.
“We didn’t start well at the beginning but after scoring the goal we didn’t want to make the same mistakes.” said Bashundhara’s Spanish tactician before talking about Colindres’ new role.
“Colindres is a quality player. He would do well even if he plays as full-back.”
“It was tough game after two days’ break, especially for those who have been playing 90 minutes in every game. They couldn’t stand well on the pitch and made mistakes. But I’m proud of my players after what they have done so far for the historical achievement (reaching the semis,” said Vitorovic at the post-match press conference.
Bruzon once again expressed dissatisfaction with the fixtures.
“Recovery is key factor in such competition. We played our last game 72 hours ago before going to play the final in 48 hours. This is crazy schedule. The pitch condition is also very poor. It’s not good for football and footballers,” said Bruzon.
Starting XI
Police: Arifuzzaman Himel; Khan Mohammad Tara, Artur Muladzhanov, Isa Faysal, Al Amin; Nazmul Islam Rasel (Mohammad Shadin), Naimur Rahman Shahed, Laskov Antonio; MS Bablu, Sidney Rivera; Luka Rotkovic.
Bashundhara: Anisur Rahman Zico; Topu Barman, Yeasin Khan, Bishwanath Ghosh (Sushanta Tripura), Mohammad Ibrahim; Nicolas Delmonte, Baktyiar Duishobekov, Mahbubur Rahman (Emon Mahmud); Akhtam Nazarov, Motin Mia (Towhidul Alam Sabuj), Daniel Colindres.
RESULT
Police 0 3 Bashundhara (Topu 17, Colindres 50, Delmonte 90+1)
