Abdullah Parvez took Narayanganj to the final of the Jubok Phone National Football Championship as his 12th minute strike helped the holders’ edge past star-studded hosts in the second semifinal at the Sylhet Stadium yesterday.
Man-of-the-match Parvez’s curling free-kick from just outside the box kissed the net after hitting the inside of the bar which not only separated the teams but also broke the hearts of an estimated 30,000-strong home crowd.
With an attempt to retain the title, Narayanganj will take on Dhaka, who confirmed their ticket by winning the first semifinal against Noakhali with 2-1 victory on Thursday, in the final at the same venue tomorrow.
The home team included players like national skipper and laborious midfielder Joy, striker Kanchan and Faisal to their arsenal but they were never at their best to delight the local fans and the team displayed a lack of understanding during the match.
With a goal down, Sylhet produced a series of attacks towards the opponents’ fort — most occasions being spawned from the wings — but failed to break the strong Narayanganj defence led by national colour Nazrul. Narayanganj goalkeeper Mohammad Ali also salvaged his side on a couple of occasions.
The visitors, however, got a good chance to extend the lead in the 34th minute but unmarked striker Ritu completely failed to touch the ball inside the box which came his way from Mithun’s pass.
After the breather, Narayanganj had a defensive strategy to keep their lead intact and they were successful till the end, having foiled several Sylhet attacks.
“Actually Parvez made the difference. I think strikers from both sides were miserably out of touch because otherwise it could have been a much better match than the way it ended,” observed the winning coach Khorshed Alam Nasir.
Sylhet coach Samir Dey echoed the same sentiment about the strikers’ failure in the match but he demanded that his side was in better control in the match.
“We dominated the match at most times but our strikers let the initiatives of the midfielders down. But I also give credit to our opponents’ defence who played brilliantly,” said a visibly frustrated Samir.
TEAMS
NARAYANGANJ: Ali, Nazrul, Mohiuddin, Faisal, Faruk, Parvez, Mithu, Rintu, Abul, Ritu and Mithun.
SYLHET: Sohel, Prodip, Ariful Islam, Din Mohammad, Ripon, Joy, Monir, Faisal, Rahel, Robin and Kanchan.
Referee: Mansoor Azad.