Dhaka Tribune’s David beat Beximco Pharmaceuticals Goliath not with a stone, but with precision passing, a tough midfield and an inspirational skipper. After a fairly tale run to the final, which included a comeback reminiscent of Liverpool’s Istanbul miracle in 2005, new boys Dhaka Tribune took home the 8th Ascent Corporate 5-A-Side Soccer Cup by beating five-time champions Beximco Pharma 2-1 in the Cup Final at Scholastica school’s STM Hall yesterday.
Dhaka Tribune's inspirational captain Reazur Rahman Rohan scored twice in the first-half to put the newcomers firmly in control against the defending champions Beximco Pharma. But a goal against the run of play from the halfway line sent hearts a flutter as the new kids on the block held on for the victory after being pummeled in the last quarter of the game.
Beximco Pharma, who went into the tournament as the favourites, played with fire as the opening exchanges were fiery without going out of control. That fire was lit by Dhaka Tribune’s captain Rohan in the first minute of the match as he accepted a through ball from Fazley Rabbi Moon on the top right hand side of the pitch, turned and shot at goal from a tight corner and beat the keeper at the near post.
With an early goal, Dhaka Tribune calmed themselves and controlled the match from then on, only letting up in the final few nervy minutes. Beximco Pharma found themselves taking pot shots from the midfield as they closed down in the final third of the pitch.
With yet another assist from Moon, Rohan found the back of the net midway through the first half to send the underdogs 2-0 up. Beximco’s hopes were ignited by a goal from Mukul midway in the second-half. The last few minutes of the game turned physical as Beximco gave their all to level the score, but Indian referee Bradley Williams kept things under control with a level headed display.
Dhaka Tribune’s goalkeeper Zafar Sobhan while not overly busy kept things tight at the back and testament to his consistent performances was later adjudged the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Earlier in the day, the Tribune won a dramatic semi-final against IIDFC 4-3 after being down 0-3 at half-time. Rohan scored the Tribune's first from a free kick, which was taken from close to the half way mark of the pitch and Monu continued his goal scoring streak by chalking up a six minute hat-trick to seal a famous victory and berth in the final.
Beximco defeated Bando Design 2-1 in a hard fought semi-final to book their place in the final, but were faced by an irresistible force by the name of Reazur Rahman Rohan. His incessant chasing down of every ball, deft touch and ability to corral his troops made him a standout performer and proved that he is big match player.
Meanwhile, HRC beat Therap BD to lift the Plate while Pepsi clinched the Bowl beating Incepta.
Dhaka Tribune Squad: Zafar Sobhan, Rohan, Moon, Imran, Shahinur, Shakib, Mahmud, Shohan, Jahangir, Shekhar.
