Emdad Rahman
The Greater Sylhet Upazila Cup for 2024 has concluded amidst another day of record breaking memories.
Sixteen teams took to the field to earn the right to be crowned champions of Sylhet.
A heavyweight showdown saw the return of five times finalists and twice champions Osmaninagar against three times winners and current holders Bishwanath.
A tight and tense encounter saw Rashid Ali’s Osmaninagar, who had seen off Jagannathpur during an energy sapping and emotionally charged semi final penalty shootout, edged out by a solitary goal in the final.
The game was broadcast live on LB24 TV and it was Mohammadan magician and man of the tournament Sadique Ali who scored the winning goal as Bishwanath wrapped up the final 1-0 to secure a record breaking fourth crown.
Syed Ali went close with two chances as the holders upped the ante but Russell Choudhury superbly marshalled the backline to help keep the score to a solitary goal.
Bishwanath did win a second half penalty after a foul on Shiblu Miah but failed to convert and extend their slim lead. With mounting pressure the holders used their considerable experience to manage and play out the final minutes of the game.
The champions finished the day without conceding a single goal.
Zidan Miah of Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano was the guest of honour and was handed the privilege of presenting the trophy to mercurial Bishwanath captain Shiblu Miah, who bounced back with deserved silverware after his Bengal Spartans Luton FC agonisingly lost the Bangladesh Football Championships final 1-0 to Aberfeldy at Kettering Town FC last Thursday.
As Bishwanath fans led a merry victory dance, wild celebrations at Mabley Green were led by senior board members Anfor Ali and Koys Miah.
Osmaninagar have rebuilt with a third side and Rashid Ali has a formidable coaching duo in Kabir Miah and Shumon Chowdhury working alongside him. Many feel it is only a matter of time before they win that as yet elusive third title.
Sonali Othith chairman Jamal Uddin thanked the sponsors and spoke with pride, “It’s a pleasure to see the tournament continuing to grow and we are really proud to use football as a platform to learn about our proud heritage. Congratulations Boshwanath.”
Bishwanath Team Manager Khalis Miah is not finished yet, “We celebrate another title and I would like to thank our supporters, sponsors and our executive board for the fantastic backing they have provided. I want to thank Osmaninagar for showing their class and mettle. In the end it was not meant to be and the score line reflects how they almost took us to the wire.
“We are over the moon with this success but my dream is to hopefully create a legacy that future generations will use as a measurement for success and the positive contributions Sylhetis have made worldwide.