Bashundhara Kings set up a final date with Abahani Limited in the Federation Cup after edging Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra in the second semi-final at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Tuesday night, thanks to a last-gasp strike from Towhidul Alam Sabuj.
Sabuj’s participation in the crucial clash of the season opening tournament was anything but certain after he incurred a thigh injury during training Sunday.
However, a half-fit Sabuj conquered all odds, and his injury, to inspire the star-studded Kings to the grand finale.
Sabuj came on in the 70th minute with the score locked at 0-0, before the game rolled into extra-time.
And he struck the all-important winner in the 118th minute, sparking wild celebrations in the Bashundhara dug-out.
Super-sub Sabuz carries Basundhara to final https://t.co/1WdjwNAlsI
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) November 20, 2018
A half-fit Tawhidul Alam #Sabuz came off the bench to steal the show with a 118-minute winner as #BashundharaKings made it to the final of the #FederationCup 2018 after beating #SheikhRussel Krira Chakra 1-0.
An elated Sabuj said, “I was confident that I would score if I was allowed to play. Hence, I played for the team’s cause despite the injury. I was finding it difficult to move on the field, but I didn’t lose hope. Finally I was successful, and my team reached the final thanks to my goal. I want to score in the final if I get to play.”
He added, “We wasted a few chances. We could have scored in regulation time. Maybe we could have won by a bigger margin."
The Kings’ Spanish head coach Oscar Bruzon was full of praise for Sabuj after the game.
The Spaniard said, “I played Sabuj despite the injury. I had the belief that he would score. I am happy with his performance, he played very well.”
The final will be played Friday at the same venue at 5pm and Channel 9 will telecast it live.