Abahani runners-up again, Arambagh relegated

Abahani secured the runners-up spot in the Bangladesh Football League after cruising to a 3-0 victory over Arambagh KS in the final round of the season on Monday, while Fortis FC dropped crucial points in a 2-2 draw against PWD SC in Gazipur.

Both Abahani and Fortis entered the last round level on 34 points and identical goal difference, meaning victory was essential for either side to guarantee second place before the calculations went down to goals scored.

However, Fortis failed to hold up their end of the equation. Trailing 2-0 against PWD SC, they managed to salvage a 2-2 draw, allowing Abahani to secure runners-up honours outright with a commanding win in Manikganj.

The result saw Abahani finish the season with 37 points from 18 matches, four behind champions Bashundhara Kings, who wrapped up the title race earlier and ended their campaign with a 4-1 victory over already relegated Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club at the Bashundhara Kings Arena.

Fortis finished third on 35 points.

It marked Abahani’s second consecutive runners-up finish and their fourth in the last five seasons.

Elsewhere, last edition’s champions Mohammedan Sporting Club ended their disappointing campaign on a high with a crushing 5-0 win over Brothers Union in Cumilla. Sourav Dewan stole the show with four goals as Mohammedan finished fifth in the standings.

Arambagh joined Fakirerpool in relegation after ending the season with 14 points, while Fakirerpool collected only 10 points from 18 matches.