Bashundhara Kings, the four-time Bangladesh Premier League champions, were eliminated from AFC Champions League 2023-24 as they conceded 0-2 goals defeat to Sharjah Football Club in the single-leg qualifying play-offs (preliminary round) at Sharjah Stadium Tuesday night.
Kings, who have been a familiar name in the AFC Cup – the second-tier club tournament in Asia – over the last few years, got an opportunity to play in the ongoing edition of the biggest club tournament in this continent – the Asian Champions League – as the first and lone Bangladeshi club.
Luanzinho struck his first goal with a left-footer from the center of the box, off a pass from the former midfielder of Barcelona and Juventus Miralem Pjanic in the 45+3rd minute.
The Brazilian midfielder doubled the margin to confirm the victory for the hosts with a header, assisted by defender Abdulaziz Salim Alkaabi in the 71st minute.
Meanwhile, Kings will now play in the ongoing AFC Cup 2023-24.
They will also directly compete in the double-leg group stage (South Zone) against Indian outfit Odisha Football Club, Maldivian outfit Maziya Sports and Recreation Club and the qualifying play-offs winners between October to December.
