Defending Champions Bashundhara Kings earned a hard-fought 3-2 goals win over Rahamatganj Muslim Friends Society during a Bangladesh Premier League match at the Bashundhara Kings Arena of Bashundhara Sports Complex on Tuesday.

Kings’ Brazilian captain Robson Robinho, midfielder Mohammad Ibrahim and substitute defender Yeasin Arafat scored one each in the 32nd, 44th and 76th minute respectively while Rahamatganj’s Nigerian forward Sunday Chizoba netted twice in the 28th minute and added time in the first half.

The home side got two corners and two free-kicks within 20 minutes of the game but Rahamatganj defenders smartly denied all their efforts.

Rahamatganj got their first corner in the 29th minute and their newly signed Nigerian forward Sunday scored with a header off a corner from captain Mahmudul Hasan Kiron.

Kings equalised the margin within three minutes as Robson sent the ball home with a chip shot off a quick pass from midfielder Masuk Miah Zoni.

Both teams then scored one goal each within three minutes before halftime.

Ibrahim gave Kings a 2-1 lead by utilising a pass from Robson in the 44th minute but Sunday made it 2-2 by converting a spot-kick in the added time.

The home side also created a few chances to score but failed to convert any of them into a goal.

When it seemed the match would end in a draw, Kings substitute defender Yeasin came as a saviour as he headed the match-winner off a straight corner from Robson in the 76th minute.

Meanwhile, Dhaka Abahani Limited will take on arch-rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club in the season’s first Dhaka Derby at the Sylhet District Stadium today at 5:30 pm.

Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Ltd will host Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra at the Bir Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj at 03:00pm in the day’s other match.

Dhaka Abahani is currently in the second position with 10 points while Sheikh Jamal DC and Mohammedan SC earned eight points and Sheikh Russel KC earned five points from their four games.