Mohammedan lift U-18 title
Mohammedan Sporting Club continued their age-level football dominance as they clinched the Airtel U-18 Football Tournament title beating Brothers Union 2-0 in the final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
The Black and Whites, who have been devoid of a league title at the senior level for twelve years, made it consecutive youth tournament success after winning the inaugural edition of this tournament held between the U-16 clubs of Bangladesh Premier League last year.
Jashimuddin Joshi, coach of the Mohammedan youths who had successfully guided the U-16 side to the title last year, felt it was a concerted effort from his charges.
“Our players were all committed and they were eager to keep the honour of the Black and White jersey. I am really glad that I have been able to guide two young sides to consecutive titles,” said Joshi.
“However, a three-week tournament like this will not help develop football much. Rather there should be a round-the-year-league alongside a tournament like this to make sure these boys remain active in competitive football,” said Joshi.
The Black and Whites, who had come into the final with an unbeaten record, enjoyed lion's share of possession but failed to break the Brothers backline, who had held the same opponents to a goalless draw in their group stage clash. Brothers even found the back of the net in the 15th minute, but that effort was rightly ruled out for offside.
After resumption, Mohammedan made the most impression in the attacking third and reaped the rewards in the 72nd minute when skipper Bodrul Hasan Tutul, receiving a minus from fellow striker Abu Sufian in front of the box, played a delightful chip which sailed into the back of the net leaving the slightly-out-of-position Brothers goalkeeper flatfooted.
With the wind at their back, Mohammedan controlled proceedings and took full advantage of Brothers' desperation as striker Nizam Uddin Khurshid stabbed home the winner from inside the box on a cross from Mohammad Shahin deep into injury time, sending the Black and Whites youths into sheer ecstasy.
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