Khilgaon Pioneer League champs

Triumphant Khilgaon Football Academy players celebrate after beating Matuail Udayan Sangsad in tiebreaker in the final of the Dhaka City Corporation Pioneer Football League at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. PHOTO: Firoz Ahmed

Khilgaon Football Academy emerged champions in the Dhaka City Corporation (North & South) Pioneer Football League with a 5-3 win over Matuail Udayan Sangsad in tiebreaker in the final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
The match rolled into direct shootout after the 80 minutes of regulation time failed to produce any decider under floodlight.
The Khilgaon boys burst into rupture as Shafayetur Rahman converted the fifth kick from the spot after their goalkeeper Aminul Islam had denied Matuail's Faisal Ahmed in the fourth kick. Mithu, Bijoy Sarker, Babu and Jhintu had earlier found the back of Matuail net while Shamim, Yar Mohammad and Jessy converted for Matuail.
However, Khilgaon FA, comprising a good number of players with experience of playing for the national age-group teams, dominated the game but could not break the deadlock against Matuail, which is mostly comprised of players from Narayanganj.
Rejaul floated a well-judged cross from Jhintu over the bar in the very tenth minute while Jhintu saw his curving shot tipped over by Matuail goalkeeper Titu in the 40th minute.
Khilgaon were denied by the woodwork when midfielder Shafayatur rattled the bar in the 58th minute while Matuail goalkeeper Titu thwarted a Jhintu left-footer in the 70th minute to take the game into the shootout.
Goalkeeper Titu was adjudged man of the match for his brave performance. State minister for youth and sports
Ahad Ali Sarker distributed prizes among the winners.