Fareast International University emerged as the champions of the 2nd Faraaz Gold Cup Inter University Football Tournament after beating Southeast University by 8-7 in tiebreaker in the final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Sunday.
After the stipulated time of 70 minutes ended goalless with no notable attack from either side, the game rolled straight to penalty shootouts where Fareast goalkeeper Md Sohag Mia made a superb save to deny Taufikur Rahman's weary effort and secure the title.
Shaokat Hossain Mithu, Abdul Sattar, Nur Alom Redoy, Ahsanullah Ranna, Saiful Islam Mitul, Mahfuzur Rubel, Sajedur Sohag and Rajib Sarkar converted their chances for the new champion and last year's runners-up Fareast.
Both the sides seemed organised in passing and build-up but disorganised in the opponent’s half, thus failing to create any notable chances in the game. Players tried their luck from long-ranges while Fareast made a few promising attacks in end, but all in vein.
Fareast defender Ahsanullah Rana was a happy captain after the game. “We finished runners-up last year from where nine players are in the current squad. This time we were determined to take the trophy home. The field was heavy but all the hard work paid off.”
Fareast coach Shafiqul Islam, a former BKSP footballer, said after the win, “Two of our players were signed by second-tier (Championship League) clubs after we finished second last year. Hopefully this time we see more of our talented players follow in those footsteps.”
Former national star forward Alfaz Ahmed has been coaching the Southeast team since last year where his side saw the exit door from the last-eight. “We trained for only a week before the tournament,” said Alfaz, before adding, “The field was heavy for which my boys couldn't play their natural game. Luck was just not on our side in the tiebreaker.”
Mitul of Fareast was adjudged the best player of the final while their forward Mainul Abedin Sujoy became the best player of the tournament and Sohag became the best goalkeeper. State University won the fair play trophy.
