Arambagh Krira Sangha, studded with a bunch of youngsters, emerged new champions in the Independence Cup Football beating formidable Chittagong Abahani Limited by 2-0 goals in the final at Bangabandhu National Stadium here on Saturday.
This is the first time that Arambagh KS lifted a major trophy in the domestic football while this was 2nd runners trophy for Chittagong Abahani after the season’s curtain raiser meet — Federation Cup Football.
Arif and Rocky scored one each for Maruful Haque’s youthful Arambagh KS, both in the first half.
Arambagh won the match as a better side beating their opponents in speed and stamina.
Defender Arif put speedy and youthful Arambagh KS ahead in the 19th minute of the match by a header utilising a cross of Shahriar Bappy amid huge cheers from few thousands club fans (1-0).
Rocky confirmed the Motijheel outfit’s victory scoring the 2nd goal in the 44th minute by a close-range angular shot from the right wing off a Mohammad Jewel pass (2-0).
Arambagh custodian Azam Khan saved his castle brilliantly foiling two Abahani attempts in the 25th and 37th minutes of the game.
Arif, who scored the 2nd goal for Arambagh KS, again came close to score in the 54th minute beating two Abahani defenders by speed in the left wing, but his nice placing shot missed the target by inches.
After the match, Arambagh KS coach Maruful gave the all credit to his boys, saying, “I’m very happy with the results. My boys executed my plan playing according to our strategy as well as a speedy game.”
Arambagh KS smartly clinched their first trophy domestic football beating Premier League champions Dhaka Abahani by 3-0 goals in the quarterfinal and eliminating runners-up Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by 1-0 goal in the quarterfinal.
Chittagong Abahani Limited booked a seat for the final eliminating Rahmatganj MFS by 1-0 goal in the semifinal after beating Sheikh Russell KC by 4-2 goals in the quarterfinal.
