League leader Bashundhara Kings have consolidated their position in the points table as they beat Saif Sporting Club in a Bangladesh Premier League thriller Thursday.

Saif took an early lead in the match but the Kings scored three consecutive goals to take control.

Saif scored another goal to reduce the margin, but that was not enough as the tie ended 3-2 in favor of the Kings at Sheikh Kamal Stadium in Nilphamari.

With the win at their home ground, the Kings now have 31 points from 11 matches and lead by four points with Abahani Limited, who have 27 points from the same number of matches, in second.

On the other hand, Saif are fourth with 20 points from 11 games.

Saif took the lead in just the third minute of the tie.

Their Colombian recruit Deiner Córdoba unleashed a brilliant side volley from the corner kick of Sajjad Hossain to find the net.

The goal seemed to inspire the side that beat Nofel Sporting Club in the last match.

Bashundhara nearly equalized in the 26th minute but Saif goalkeeper Ziaur Rahman saved Marcos Vinicius’ shot to keep their lead intact.

But that lasted for just six minutes as the Brazilian Vinicius brought parity in the 32nd minute when he received a ball in the penalty box before implanting an immaculate left-footed shot to make it 1-1.

Bashundhara went ahead for the first time 10 minutes later.

Their Costa Rican World Cup star Daniel Colindres got a ball that was deflected off the head of an opposition player and he made no mistake to put the ball home.

Bashundhara’s Kyrgyzstan recruit Bakhtiyar Duyshobekovmade extended their lead to 3-1 during the injury time of the first half.

But Saif did not take much time after resumption to reduce the deficit as Riyadul Hossain Rafi headed from a Jamal Bhuiyan corner to make it 3-2.

Saif almost completed a remarkable comeback but Bashundhara goalie Anisur Rahman Zico saved Park-seung Il’s shot in the 82nd minute to help his side leave the field with full three points.

With the win at their home ground, Bashundhara Kings now have 31 points from 11 matches and lead by four points with Abahani Limited, who have 27 points from the same number of matches, in second

RESULT                                                                      

Bashundhara 3 (Vinicius 32, Colindres 42, Bakhtiyar 45+1) 2 Saif (Deiner 3, Rafi 56)