Favourites Beximco Pharma, Bando Design and IIDFC moved into the cup semifinals along with new comers Dhaka Tribune in the 8Th Ascent 5-A-Side Soccer Cup at STM Hall, Scholastica yesterday.
Defending champions Beximco were given a run for their money after they found themselves 2-1 down against a mediocre Chevron side. Beximco opened the scoring early before Chevron surprised them by taking the lead with two quick goals. However, with two goals each from Mukul and Adil Beximco eventually won the game 5-2.
Bando Design rode on a hat-trick from Mubarak as they cruised past Westin in their respective quarterfinal of the day. Bando will meet Beximco in the first semifinal today.
In another crunch match of the day IIDFC cashed in from Arman’s goal to knock out last year runners-up Gemcon 1-0. The goal from Arman came in the first half after which IIDFC changed their strategy and went defensive. Gemcon squandered several scoring opportunities which eventually cost them the match.
Meanwhile, Dhaka Tribune continued their fairy tale run in the tournament when they beat HSBC 7-3. Tribune were cruising along with a three goal lead in the opening half, before the bankers showed great determination to stay in the game. Kabir helped HSBC level the score with two goals, but Tribune kept their cool to comeback in the game. Shahinur Rahman struck his second hat-trick of the tournament as he alone netted four goals while Imran, Moon and Shakib scored one each for Dhaka Tribune. Tribune will face IIDFC in the second semi today.
In the bowl, Texmart beat Incepta 4-2 in penalties after regula time ended 2-2, Concito PR beat Aarong 4-2, Beximco Textile defeated General Electric 4-0 and Pepsi beat Grey Dhaka 8-1. Dell, Rahimafrooz REL and Metlife received walkovers from their respective opponents.