Nejmeh were dominant throughout the first half but received no reward for their efforts as they found the Bashundhara defence, led by Jasur Jumaev, hard to break down.

Bilal Sabbagh had an effort in the 21st minute that was straight at Anisur Rahman while Rabih Ataya’s free-kick nine minutes later was also easily collected by the Bashundhara keeper.

Bashundhara could have stolen the lead against the run of play in the 42nd minute when Foysal Fahim lashed the ball towards the goalmouth with Nejmeh custodian Ali Sabeh stranded but Kassem El Zein got back in time to block the shot on the line.

After the interval, the five-time Bangladesh Premier League champions were the first to threaten through a Jonathan Reis shot that was saved by Ali Sabeh but calamity then struck at the back which saw them go behind in the 49th minute when Hassan Kourani’s curling free-kick into the box was nodded into his own net by Saad Uddin.

Bashundhara came close to an equaliser in the 56th minute when Valerii Hryshyn - who came on for the injured Mojibor Rahman Jony midway through the first half - ran through unchallenged only to drag his shot just wide of the post.

Bashundhara head coach Valeriu Tita made two attacking changes by bringing on Miguel Ferreira and MD Sohel Rana late in the game but neither provided the spark the Bangladeshi side needed as Nejmeh held firm for the win.

Nejmeh will look to carry their momentum into Tuesday’s match against Paro with Bashundhara looking to bounce back against East Bengal.