Bashundhara Kings retain Federation Cup title

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DHAKA, Jan. 10, 2021 (BSS) – Bashundhara Kings retained title of 32nd Federation Cup Football beating Saif Sporting Club by 1-0 goal in the final held today at Bangabandhu National Stadium here.

Bashundhara now won two Federation Cup titles in their third consecutive final appearance while Saif Sporting remained trophy-less despite their impressive performance in all through the proceeding.

Saif Sporting Club, who reached the final for the first time, were unlucky as they could not utilize at least three good chances which could have changed the fate of the match.

In the day’s match, Argentina forward Raul Becerra made all the difference scoring the all-important goal for Bashundhara in the second half.

This was the fifth goal in five matches for Becerra, moving him to the joint top of the list with Saif forward Kenneth Ikechukwu.

Bashundhara Kings launched some attacks in the first half which they failed to convert any of those into a goal. The holders could have taken an early lead in the 3rd minute when Unmarked Topu Barmon, standing at close to the goal post, sent the ball to the net with a feeble shot but he was unlucky as the referee raised the flag for offside.

The star studded Bashundhara again came close to scoring in the 15th minute. This time onrushing Biswanath Ghosh, ran down with the ball, took an angular shot from close range, but Saif custodian Pappu brilliantly fisted the ball for safety.

Bashundhara deprived from another goal in the 31st minute when their Brazilian recruit midfielder Jonathon Fernandes’s long-range right footer powerful shot from near about twenty five yards sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.

After the resumption, Saif got their first scoring chance in the 47th minute but a powerful shot taken by Rahmat Mia was brilliantly fisted by Bashundhara’s custodian Zico for safety.

Raul Oscar Becerra finally broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute after receiving a ball from Jonathan Fernandes, onrushing Bacerra sent the ball with a perfect left footer placing shot to beat Saif goalkeeper Pappu at the far post.

Saif SC’s Nigerian Kenneth Ikechukwu however, came close to regaining his lead, but he was denied by Bashundhara Kings goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico, who was superb under the bar today.

Kenneth took a long-range powerful shot but Bashundhara’s custodian Zico saved the attempt at a cost of corner in the 70th minute while two minutes later it was again Kenath, who’s well-judged shot from about twenty-five yards again missed the target.

Bashundhara Kings dominated almost the proceeding and notched their deserving victory while Saif created some scoring chances but failed to convert any lack of proper finishing.

After the match, Bashundhara’s goalkeeper Zico said they have tried their maximum effort to win the match and they would continue this journey.

He said they have made some mistakes in the match and they would not repeat those in the future matches.

Raul Becerra of the champions team was named the man of the match and man of the final while Raul Becerra and Kenneth Ikechukwu of Saif Sporting Club emerged as the highest scorers in the tournament.

Kenneth Ikechukwu of Saif SC was also adjudged the best player of the tournament.

Chattogram Abahani Limited were given the fair play trophy award.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Mohammad Zahid Ahsan Russel MP was the chief guest in the prize distribution ceremony and handed over the trophy.

Squads:

Bashundhara Kings – Topu, Zoni, Jonathon, Oscar, Robson, Biswanath, Ibrahim, Anisur, Matin, Khaled and Rimon.

Saif Sporting Club – Pappu, Yeasin, Sirozhiddin, Rahmat, Riyadul, Okoli, Shahedul, Emmanuel, Foysal, Arifur and Kenath.