Cup FinalGemcon 2-1 BandoGemcon Group lifted the championship of the 11th Ascent Corporate Soccer Cup to make it a hat-trick of titles. They defeated Bando Design, another deserving title contender, 2-1 in the grand finale. The first half of the game remained goalless but there was enough entertainment for the spectators as both the teams played their heart out. Bando were denied by the side-bar twice while for Gemcon, it proved to be a case of near misses as Bando goalkeeper Rajib thwarted a few deadly shots on target.
The second half started with an injury scare for Bando captain Imran. Gemcon were now in the receiving end of a series of attacks by Bando. But soon, Gemcon took the lead as Hossain Imam netted the first goal of the game, closely followed by the second, scored by Prashanta. Bando’s lone goal was scored by Shakil with only a few seconds left to the final whistle.
Plate Final Sterling Group players pose with the Ascent Cup plate trophy alongside Bangladesh Cricket Board director and marketing and commercial committee chairman Kazi Inam Ahmed (CL)
Meena Sweets 3-4 SterlingWith only a few minutes into the game, Sterling Group fell behind as Meena Sweets scored two goals in quick succession. But with a couple of minutes remaining to the half-time whistle, Sterling bounced back strong as Rony and Sajib netted two goals to level the score. The game resumed with Sterling in momentum and this aided the side to score two quick goals, courtesy Sajib and Akbar. Meena Sweets tried to get back into the game by scoring the third but with only a few seconds in hand, it was an impossible task to level the score.
Bowl Final Beximco Textiles are all smiles with Ascent Cup bowl trophy
MTBL 1-2 Beximco TextilesAmit with two goals led Beximco Textiles to a victory over Mutual Trust Bank Limited in a game which saw more power than tactics. There were heated moments between players of the two teams. Beximco, having netted two, were full of momentum but MTBL goalkeeper showed plenty of courage, stopping quite a few fiery shots.
Cup Third-Place PlayoffComfit 7-3 Green DeltaThe game had started even as both the sides ended with a goal each in the first half. But in the second, Comfit Composite were in full control as they ended scoring seven goals to finish third in their second appearance in the tournament. Raju and Rony scored three goals each while Tanin score one.
Most Valuable Player (voted by captains of all the participating teams)Hasan Imam (Gemcon)“It feels really special to get the award, more so because my team lifted the hat-trick title this year. The whole team were well motivated and we had only one ambition - to clinch the title. I am thankful to my team members and supporting staffs.”
Highest GoalscorerImran (Bando)With 31 goals in seven games, Bando captain Imran ended as the highest goalscorer this year and he has set a record, having finished as the highest scorer in the previous edition too, with 24 goals.
Best GoalkeeperMazharul Haque (Comfit Composite)“I am thrilled. This was only our second appearance in the tournament. We had targeted the cup final but finished third. Overall, we, as a team, had a good tournament. I am thankful to the team for their support, especially our chairman, Akbar Haider.”
Dream TeamFarhan Quddus on the Dream Team and the tournament itself“Thirty-six team captains voted on it and I believe it has taken a very good shape. This year, the tournament was held with the motive to show that lives in our country, especially in Dhaka, is on track, despite all the odds. We had a very successful tournament and it was amazing to see the interest of the participating teams.”