Biplo Ahmed, a 15-year old boy of Sylhet had his heartbroken along with 40 thousand spectators when Bangladesh U23 lost to Nepal U23 four years ago at Sylhet district stadium. But, as they say, truth is stranger than the fiction, Biplo became the centre of euphoria as Bangladesh national side beat Laos in the same venue thanks to the local boy’s goal in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup 2018 opener on Monday.
A key member in Olympic team (U23) during their historic campaign in the Asian Games as well as being a regular wingman in the Saff Championship last month, Biplo couldn’t have found a better occasion to be adjudged the best player of the game.
Biplo’s hometown is in the Subid Bazar area of Sylhet city which is a walking distance from the district stadium. His family members were in the gallery and Biplo ran towards them to celebrate the goal. “I grew up playing football in this stadium and scoring my first international goal at the same venue that won us the game was just an amazing feeling.”
Bangladesh start Bangabandhu Gold Cup with 1-0 win over Laos https://t.co/xjMUUVnU8a
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) October 1, 2018
Then, being a member of the Mohammedan U16 youth team, Biplo watched Bangladesh lose to Nepal in 2014 before playing for the Mohammedan senior side in the last couple of Bangladesh Premier League seasons. He made his international debut against the same opponents during a friendly in March where he replaced Mamunul Islam just after the break. He has been a regular member in the starting eleven since Jamie Day took charge.
Day switched his formation from 4-2-3-1 in the Saff Championship to 4-4-2 against Laos. The English coach was full of praise for Biplo and also his new striking pair of Sufil and Nabib Newaz Ziban.
“Delighted to win. They looked tired so the game was little bit slow [at the beginning] but credit to the boys cause they showed character, put a big effort, and kept another clean sheet. Very pleased with the game.”
Keeping the Asian Games results apart, it was Day’s third win in four matches in one month since taking charge including three clean-sheets. When mentioning this stat to Day, the 38-year-old coach gave all the credit to the players and pledged to continue the hard work to “develop Bangladesh football.”
