Players, officials and supporters of Soccer Club, Feni erupted in wild celebrations as their joy knew no bounds after the team cruised to the final of the Modhumoti Bank Independence Cup Football with a 2-0 victory over Brothers Union at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday afternoon.
They had their cause to celebrate as it was their first ever entry into the final of a major tournament. They had never advanced beyond the semifinals of any major tournament till date and the taste of reaching a final was something unprecedented to them. Gambian coach Omar K. Sisse and club president Tabith Awal were lifted to the shoulders while players were busy to congratulate each other.
However, Omar tried to conceal his emotions during the post-match presser. “To be frank, I was really scared as Brothers made our life harder than we anticipated. They are a strong team as they defended well and also created some scoring chances but I told my players to keep cool. They did not stick to our plans in the first half. But in the second half, I think we played better,” said the Gambian.
Omar was delighted to see his young player Abdullah al Mamun register his name in the score-sheet. “I waited to substitute Bidyut for his experience but I inserted Mamun who is my favorite and it worked. I feel happy,” said a jubilant Omar.
Mathew Mendy, the Gambian who broke the deadlock, said it was not easy in the middle. “We had to work hard and I believe only foreigners can’t win the match without the able support of the locals,” opined Mendy.
Brothers Union coach Syed Naeemuddin lamented his team’s poor display and admitted Feni Soccer Club were the worthy winner. “We played bad. Specially in the second half, we could not implement our plans accordingly. Rubel Miah, the mainstay of my attack was absent due to his H.S.C exam and I think my attackers did not rise to the occasion.”