Emdad Rahman
A superb brace from Shamim Ali ensured a final warm up game win for Balagonj. It was both teams’ final friendly ahead of Sunday’s eagerly anticipated Sonali Othith Greater Sylhet Upazila Cup at Mabley Green.
Balagonj, along with Osmaninagar, are joint holders of the Greater Sylhet Cup, and they had makeshift goalkeeper Russell Choudhury taking his place between the posts. Early on in the first half Anamul Hassan turned provider for Shamim Hussain to roll back the years and score a poacher’s goal for Balagonj.
Jagannnathpur pushed forward with Muzahid Hussain dominant at the back. Despite having the lion’s share of possession, Jamal Uddin’s men lacked a goal, with Abdul Goffar going close twice. And so, with Jagannathpur ramping up the pressure, Balagonj broke through – and it was Shamim Hussain who wrapped up the win with a dart into the box and an exquisite solo finish. Asif Solomon’s form in goal prevented further goals on the break for Balagonj. Despite Jagannathpur still coming out on top in the possession stakes, Balagonj held on for a confidence boosting win.
Balagonj Joint Manager Nurul Hoque said, “It’s a good win tonight. We got to see some new faces. The boys gelled well and coped very well under lots of pressure. We are looking forward to Sunday.”
Jagannnathpur Manager Jamal Uddin added, “Goals win games and although we lost I have taken away many plusses from tonight. We enjoyed a lot of possession and played the ball well around the park. We now move forward to the weekend and what promises to be a spectacular Sunday.”
•The Sonali Othith Greater Sylhet Upazila Cup takes place on Sunday, 28th August from 10am at Mabley Green, Lee Conservancy Road, Hackney, London E9 5RN.
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