Day six started off with Dhaka Tribune finally reminding the crowd why they are the defending champions of this tournament as they coolly dispatched Green Delta in a 6-1 mauling. Dependable midfielder Fazley Rabbi Moon netted a spectacular hattrick for DT while Tareq Miru grabbed a brace. Star striker Reazur Rahman Rohan converted as well to complete the scoreline.
For what its worth, North South University gave a good account of themselves in their match against the mighty Gemcon Group. As first-timers of the tournament, a 2-7 scoreline should be considered an achievement against one of the tournament favorites. Ujjal and Sazzad of NSU scored one goal each while the fabulous Gemcon Group are still looking ominous for the Cup. Shamim scored a hattrick for them.
Beximco Textiles has often lived in the shadow of their more illustrious sister concern Beximco Pharma but they did their parent company proud as they humbled Bangla Cat in a 6-2 drubbing. Captain Faiz of Textiles put in a terrific performance notched a whopping four goals.
STS Group came from behind to beat Incepta Pharmaceuticals in a fascinating encounter which saw Rezwan Huq finally score for the esteemed hospital. Better late than never. Shaidul Islam of STS also scored a hattrick.
Magnito Digital overturned Energy Pac in a high-energy encounter which saw the digital firm advance to the quarters.
We bid farewell to Spellbound whose spirited run in this tournament came to an end through a 5-2 rout by Rahimafrooze SPD. Hafizur Rahman of Rahimafrooze scored a fine hattrick.
Meanwhile, the last match on day five, Tuesday, was the one everyone was waiting for. A true David versus Goliath occasion which had the STM packed to its capacity. People had come to see the plucky newcomers Runner, who have come thus far in this tournament in a trail glory, took on the five-time champions, the mighty Beximco Pharma.
However, the biblical connection ended just as soon as the referee blew the whistle, as the Pharmaceutical giants dispatched a stern footballing lesson to the tournament newcomers, not to mention a statement of intent to the teams facing them after. Runner were made to run the full 20 mins, chasing lost causes and shadows and conceded a staggering 11 goals.
Goal-machine Adil slotted home four in the first half while Shoriful added a hattrick. Shuvo scored two while Mukul and Sunny added one each. Md. Shofiul pulled one back for Runner which only served as a consolation. We shall miss seeing the Runner players who have been extremely polite with everyone at the tournament. Their exciting football and their wonderful fans who came to every match and bought the house down in this tourney. We wish them the best of luck for next year’s spectacle. As for BexiPharma, they are still the team to beat in this year’s Ascent Cup.