Bangladeshi girls continued their domination in the regional football as they became champions in the Saff U-19 football championship by beating India in the final at Bir Shresta Shaeed Sipahi Mustafa Kamal Stadium, Kamalapur Wednesday.
Bangladesh beat the South Asia powerhouse by a solitary goal from Anai Mogini in the 80th minute, but the hosts dominated the game and the margin would be greater had goalposts and goal-line save did not come as blocks against them.
It was a festive atmosphere at Kamalapur where people gathered and enjoyed the game from the beginning with cheers, waving national flags and even some attempts of gallery show with flushing the cell phone lights simultaneously.
The cheers got louder in the 15th minute as the whole stadium thought the ball crossed Indian goalpost.
Captain Maria Manda, who showed brilliant skill throughout the match, took a long distance shot that was saved by the Indian goalkeeper Anishka.
However, the ball spilled off Anishka’s hand and went to Tahura Khatun, who was surrounded by two Indian defenders.
Due to the blockade the Bangladeshi striker could not take a powerful shot but the ball was slowly rolling towards goal.
Just when the ball was in the line one of the Indian defenders, Nirmala Devi stopped it and it stayed static agonizingly before the Indian custodian recovered and saved.
Bangladeshi players claimed the ball went beyond the line as did the spectators, but the referee Roy Anjana did not pay heed to their pleas.
Bangladesh continued holding position and looked menacing from the right side where player of the tournament Shaheda Akter Ripa was operating.
The winger was constantly breaching the Indian defense through her dribbling and speed.
The footwork of the teenager mesmerized the spectators.
India somehow ended the first half without conceding any goal and Bangladesh continued their pursuit after the break despite missing many chances.
Shamsunnahar Jr, one of the proven strikers of the side was most wasteful.
After missing at least three glorious opportunities in the first half, Shamsunnahar’s shot came off the post in the 46th minute.
Another powerful shot of the striker went over the bar minutes later before her header off a Ripa cross went beyond the crossbar.
Bangladesh at last got their goal in the 80th minute.
Ripa received a ball in the right wing from the other side of the field and saw Anai approaching before providing an intelligent back-heel.
Anai took a powerful cross which dipped down and beat the Indian custodian to the net.
The whole stadium erupted with ecstasy.
Despite taking the lead Bangladesh did not give any respite and continued to go for the second.
Although they could not add any more goal to their 20-tournament tally they were able to keep another clean sheet that ensured the trophy.
As a matter of fact Bangladesh did not concede any goal throughout the tournament.