Sakib costs Kings first dropped points

League leaders Bashundhara Kings had their first stumble in the Bangladesh Premier League, playing out a 1-1 draw against newcomers Azampur FC Uttara at the Shaheed Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh yesterday.

Sakib Bepari got on the end of an uncharacteristic error in stoppage time to even proceedings after Robson Da Silva had given the visitors a 57th-minute lead to put an end to Kings' 14-match winning streak in the league since a 1-1 draw to Mohammedan in Cumilla last season.

Despite dropping their first points in 11 games this season, Kings remain top of the table with 31 points. But their lead against their nearest rivals was cut to seven after Abahani had yesterday beaten Fortis FC 2-0 at the Muktijoddha Smriti Stadium in Rajshahi.

Kings could have maintained a nine-point gap by notching up a win, but they dropped points against a side they had beaten 3-0 in their first meeting of the season.

Azampur gave Kings a run for their money before conceding from the spot following a foul on Dorielton Gomes.

With the clock running into the last minute of the five minutes of added time, Sakib stunned Kings following an error from Tapu Barman. The defender's pass ricocheted off Sakib and in behind the defence, with the striker running onto the ball and finding an easy finish.

The goal secured Azampur's third point in 11 matches.