Mohammedan won the season’s first trophy by clinching the Modhumoti Bank Independence Cup Football crown beating outsiders Feni Soccer Club by 5-4 goals in a tie-breaker at the Bangabandhu National Stadium here on Saturday.
The nail biting final match watched by 8,000 fans was locked in a goalless position in the stipulated 90-minute and also in the extra sessions of 30 minutes that forced the match towards tie breaker.
In the tie-breaker, Zahid Hasan Emily, Demian Chigozir, Habibur Rhman Shohag, Zongo Ousseni and Obum Henry scored from all the five shots to the champions while Abdullah Al Mamun, Chuka Charles, and Landing Darboe converted the spot kicks correctly. But the first attempt of Kabba Jobe was saved by Mohammedan custodian Mamun Khan
State Minister for Youth and Sports Sree Biren Sikder witnessed the final as chief guest. He distributed the prizes.
Custodian of Feni Soccer Club Mohammad Nehal was adjudged the most valuable player.
Prior to the match, one minute silence was observed for the salvation of departed soul of renowned journalist ABM Musa.
The Gambian coach Omar K Sise and the newly recruited Gambian players studded new look Feni Soccer Club partly dominated the match over their giant rival from the very beginning and maintained it till the last whistle.
Mohammedan SC, guided by Portuguese coach Rui Capella Batista, failed to impress their fans at big bowl and millions of TV viewers against the outsider Feni Soccer Club, despite they played a good match in the last 15 minutes and also in the extras time.
Mohammedan’s medio Jahid Hassain managed a good chance in the 21st minute but he sent the ball wide with nice gap from the danger zone
Seven minutes later, Feni Soccer goalie Mohammad.Nehal saved his castle foiling an header of Mohammedan skipper Zahid Hasan Emily.
In the 55th minute, a powerful shot of Feni Soccer Club Gambian defender Landing Darboe narrowly went outside, kissing the hand of Mohammedan goalie Mamun Khan.
Zongo Oussseni, a player of Burkina Faso, spoiled most easiest chance for Mohammedan SC in the 26th minute of the extra time as he sent the ball wide from danger zone with nine gap.
On way to the final, Mohammedan SC beat their arch-rivals Abahani Limited 1-0 in the semifinal and eliminated Muktijoddha Sangsad KC, also by 1-0 goal in the quarterfinal.
On the other hand, Feni Soccer Club, the bottom ranked team of the ongoing Premier League, made a surprise berth to the final defeating old horse Brothers Union 2-0 in the semifinal and eliminated holders Sheikh Russell KC 4-3 in tie breaker as their quarterfinal ended in 2-2 in the stipulated period.
Mohammedan SC: Mamun Khan, Nahidul Islam, Arup Kumar Baidya, Baybeck, Ubom Henry, Jahid Hossain, Hemonta Vincent Biswas, Tawhidul Alam Sabuj, Demian Chigozie, Zahid Hasan Emily and Zongo Ousseni.
Feni Soccer Club: Mohammad Nehal, Landing Darboe, Akramuzzaman Liton, Ramzan Ali Mollah,Mathews Mendy, Abu Sufian Jahid, Shahihnur Rahman Shahin, Azamal Hossain Biddyut, Akbar Hossain Ridon, Kabba Jobe and Chuka Charles.
Man of the final: Zongo Ousseni (Burkina Faso, MSC)
Fair Play Trophy: Muktijoddha SKC
Highest scorer: Zahid Hasan Ameli (MSC), Sunday Chizoba (Muktijoddha SKC) and Sony Norde (SK Jamal)
Most Valuable Player of the Tournament: Md Nehal (Soccer Club, Feni)
