Bashundhara’s Argentine striker Hernan Barcos’s brilliant hat-trick saw Bangladesh Premier League champions Bashundhara Kings made their AFC Cup debut a memorable one as they thrashed TC Sports Club of Maldives by 5-1 goals on Wednesday at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
It was the first appearance for Bashundhara in the group E one-sided affair in the AFC Cup campaign and also the debut match for Argentine recruit striker Hernan Barcos wearing any club’s jersey for Bangladesh.
The winners’ dominated the play leading the first half by 2-1 goals.
In the day’s match, Bashundhara’s Argentine striker Hernan Barcos put his side ahead in the 18th minute a fierce header from close range after taking a cross from Daniel Colindres.
But, their lead lasted for a few minutes as Maldives striker Ismail Essa restored the parity for TC Sports Club of the Maldives in 21st minute of the match.
Hernan Barcos again kept Bashundhara Kings ahead in the 26th minute. After capitalizing a cross from Biplu Ahmed, standing Barcos sent the ball home with a perfect header giving no chance to TC Sports Club custodian under the bar.
After the resumption, Bashundhara Kings came to the field in a more organized way and added three more goals in the second half to maintain their domination till the final whistle.
However TC Sports Club had a good chance to level the margin by 2-2 if Ismail Essha would not have missed the spot kick in the 53rd minute of the match.
Argentine striker Barcos continued his onslaught further widening the Bashundhara’s margin scoring the third goal as well as completed his hat-trick from spot kick in the 68th minute.
Daniel Colindres joined the party scoring the fourth goal for BPL champions Bashundhara after taking a pass from Biswanath Ghosh in the 76th minute of the match.
Barcos completed the winners’ tally scoring his fourth and the fifth goal for Bashundhara in the 92nd minute of the match.
Bashundhara Kings played better football all through the proceeding and notched their deserving victory while TC Sports Club were off colored and failed to create any pressure during the proceeding.
