Bashundhara lift title on maiden appearance
Russel go down during extended period
Sports Reporter, Dhaka
Bashundhara Kings made a history when they emerged champions at their first appearance in the top level of the countrys soccer as they defeated experienced Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra by 2-1 in the final of the Walton Independence Cup Football at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
In the keenly contested final both the sides scored one goal each in the 90 minutes regulation time and Bashundhara just snatched the victory scoring another goal early in the extra 30 minutes time.
Kazi Mohammed Salahuddin, president of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) and Bangladesh Football Federation handed over the prizes among the winners as chief guest.
The champions Bashundhara received Taka five lakh as prize money and Sheikh Russel were awarded Taka three lakh as runners-up.
Russels coach and captain Saiful Bari Titu and captain Ashraful Rana, in the pre-match press conference told that early goal would be an advantage to win the match and they will try to execute the plan and were also very closer to make early strike.
However, the final was started with a slow pace but steadily with Russel win a very early corner on 6th minute which Ariful delivered a cross inside the box and Raphael Odoyin of Nigeria touched very closely to the side post, but it was not enough to beat goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico, who saved it with ease for corner.
Bashundhara strongly responded to go ahead from their first move when Marcos De Silva of Brazil got the ball rolling for right to the box and stepped up two or three and blasted an angular right footer from 30 yards. Goalkeeper Rana had nothing to do but watching the ball entering into the top corner of the far post (1-0.
Russel made a strong counter when they surged forward and Raphael (Nigeria)received a ball from Boktiyar and chased a defender before going into the box to hammer a right footer but Anisur Rahman Zico denied it brilliantly on 29th minute.
Russel equalised the margin just on 45th minute when Raphael perfected his third attempt with a thunderbolt left footer some five yards outside from the box and right now the most sensational keeper Anisur Rahman Zico could not save despite diving his left hand side (1-1).
After the one all draw of the opening 45 minutes, both sides trying to muster attacks, pushing forward with both wings and through the midway, but they failed to make any real threat. As the defense zone of both ends were also too good to halt the forwards before becoming danger.
However, early in the second half Russel produced a lovely move flowing the ball down the left to make the first threat with Alex Rafael of Brazil incredibly entered into the box and released a ball for onrushing Azizov Ailsher. But the Uzbek could not reach the ball to push into near post.
After the stipulated 90 minutes time was locked on one all draw, the match headed to extra 30 minutes time and Bashundhara Kings regain the lead inside fifth minute.
The most expensive team among all, Bashundhara broke the defense dangerously down the left and Nayeemuddin crossed into the box for Matin Meah who shifted it onto his right foot and just dragged an effort from goal-mouth melee which curling the ball into the top corner of the far post (2-1).
Bashundhara were about to increase the margin a minute before the break of extra time but an excellent display of captain and goalkeeper Ashraful Rana just saved Russel when he denied Marcos and Colindres consecutive efforts from the box.
