Kings lose against Pjanic and Co in Sharjah

Bashundhara Kings suffered a 0-2 defeat in their maiden AFC Champions League appearance against hosts Sharjah FC, featuring former Barcelona star Miralem Pjanić and Spanish Paco Alcácer, at the Sharjah Stadium in the UAE tonight.

Brazilian forward Luan Pereira struck either half of the break to help Sharjah FC set up a play-off match against Iranian outfit Tractor FC. The maiden appearance of Bashundhara Kings in the competition could have been a memorable one had their Brazilian duo not wasted two good chances at the start of the second half after conceding the opening goal in the first half.

Bashundhara Kings, the first Bangladeshi outfit to feature in the AFC Champions League, will now compete in the group stage of the AFC Cup. Kings advanced from the AFC Cup group stages in two editions previously.

From the onset of the game, Kings were on the back foot, forced to defend their superior opponents as Sharjah FC controlled the game with better ball possession, swift passing, and better ball control.

Bashundhara Kings, who are used to playing build-up in domestic matches, had to chase Sharjah FC players for almost the entire first half with the ball barely leaving the Bangladesh Premier League champions' half. 

Also, the charges of Spanish coach Oscar Bruzon frustrated themselves by playing a lot of erratic passes, losing possession soon after gaining it on most occasions. Even the best players of the squad like captain Robson Da Silva and Miguel Ferreira made errors while passing but the players did well enough to keep the Sharjah forwards away with some good defending until conceding in the stoppage time of the first half.

There was a discernible gulf in skill, technique, quickness, and movements between the two sides as Sharjah FC dominated proceedings throughout, creating their first chance in the sixth minute from the left flank. However, goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico kept Kings in the match by thwarting a low drive from former Alcacer. Zico once again was the savior when he frustrated Brazilian Luan Pereira in the 22nd minute.    

On the half-hour mark, Bosnian midfielder Pjanic's accurate delivery from the free-kick found Ousmane Camara, who narrowly headed it wide, much to the relief of Zico.

However, Kings looked a bit better when they led a couple of attacks with Dorielton Gomes narrowly missing the target from a header off a Robson corner in the 34th minute.

With Kings gradually gaining confidence, they needlessly conceded a lead three minutes into the four-minute added time in the first half. A cut-back from Pjanic from the touchline saw Pereira tap in from close despite being marked by two defenders.    

After resumption, Kings played more freely and created two good chances from counters but Miguel and Dorielton were wasteful.

From the counter attack, Dorielton played Miguel through on the right side of the box but the Brazilian was a bit late to control, and his shot inside the box was easily grabbed by Sharjah goalkeeper Darwish Mohammad Habib in the 49th minute. 

Miguel then set Dorielton inside the box and the BPL top-scorer saw his feeble drive inside the box go straight to the hands of the Sharjah goalkeeper.

After surviving two scares, Sharjah FC kept pressing for the second goal and came close on a couple of occasions with Zico making the saves. However, the Bangladesh national team's goalkeeper could not stop a powerful header from Pereira in the 71st minute.