Holders Bashundhara Kings and Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited made winning start while Abahani Limited were held to a draw on the opening day of the Bangladesh Premier League 2023-24 Friday.
Kings, right after clinching the season opening Independence Cup as unbeaten champions, crushed Brothers Union 5-2 at their home ground in the capital.
Brazilian striker Dorielton Gomez struck a brace within only three minutes at the hour mark to extend the lead given by Rakib Hossain in the eighth minute.
Rahul Hossain pulled one back for the Gopibagh outfit before Robson Robinho netted a minute before the end of normal time.
Uzbek forward Otabek Valizhonov's stoppage-time goal only came as consolation for the newly promoted side but Mohammad Ibrahim extended the advantage again in two minutes.
Nigerian Emmanuel Tony's 90th-minute strike helped Mohammedan secure a narrow 2-1 win over Fortis FC in Rajshahi.
Shahariar Emon put the Black and Whites ahead just before quarter hour but Fortis' Uzbek defender Jasur Jumaev cancelled the lead two minutes later.
In Gopalganj, Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society stunned Abahani through Ghanaian forward Ernest Boateng's equalizer in the 67th minute after Brazilian midfielder Jonathan Fernandez broke the deadlock in the 21st minute.
Rahmatganj goalkeeper Mohammad Nayeem was adjudged man of the match for his heroic display between the sticks.
Police FC also kicked off the campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Chittagong Abahani Ltd in Mymensingh.
