Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited shocked Federation Cup favorites Bashundhara Kings 2-1 in the first semi-final at Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj Tuesday to progress to the grand finale.
10-time Federation Cup winners Mohammedan, who last won the trophy in 2009, will face the winner of next week's second semi-final between Abahani Limited and Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra in the final, scheduled to be held in Comilla on May 30.
Unbeaten in 24 matches in all competitions prior to Tuesday's game, the Kings, who won the Federation Cup in 2020 and 2021, will now take on the losing side in the third-place playoff in Golapganj on May 23.
Having made their professional debut in 2018, this is the first time Bashundhara have exited the Federation Cup before the final stage.
Mohammedan took the lead in just the third minute through Nigerian forward Emmanuel before Brazilian striker Dorielton brought parity in the 43rd minute.
Malian forward Suleymane Diabate gave the Black and Whites the lead again in the 55th minute and this time the Motijheel outfit held their fort till the final whistle to record a memorable victory.
The first semi-final was held in Gopalganj after Bashundhara refused to play in Kamalapur's Bir Sreshtha Shaheed Sipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium citing the venue as “unplayable”.
