Feb 10, 2015: Last minute injury-time goal by Mohammad Faizat take away the cup from Bangladesh football team. Malaysia Under-23 yesterday became champions of the Bangabandhu Gold Cup following a thrilling 3-2 win over hosts Bangladesh in the final.
In first half Malaysia was advanced by two goals, Bangladesh scripted a dazzling comeback early in the second half to bring parity to the score line. The home side dominated proceedings till the end of the grand finale only to be denied by Malaysian winger Faizat in the dying stages of the game.
Bangladesh began the game in pretty much the same fashion as the end – in disappointment. The absence of an in-form Hemanta Vincent Biswas, one of Bangladesh’s key players, dealt a hammer blow to the hosts’ hopes of a title win.
The situation compounded further through the exit of winger Zahid Hossain, who was forced off with an injury in the ninth minute. Losing the two marquee players as well as their winning combination was a bad start.
Bangabandhu Gold Cup organized Bangladesh after 16 years last time it was held in 1999. Six countries were participated in this tournament Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Thailand and Singapore. In Group A was Bangladesh, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Group B was Bahrain, Thailand and Singapore.
Bangladeshi midfielder Jamal Bhuiyan becomes player of the tournament. Bangladesh could not win the tournament but won the hearts of millions fans with their performance.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Bangladesh Football Federation president Kazi Salahuddin were present among others on the occasion and distributed the awards among the winners.
By: Rifat Rahn
