Piror Chok are crowned Beanibazar Village Cup champions

Emdad Rahman

IT WAS A CASE of success at last as FC Piror Chok cruised to the title of the Beanibazar Village Cup of 2023.

The smallest squad in a tournament of over 40 teams was extraordinary throughout as they went on to defeat a much fancied Chutodesh 1-0 in the final with a goal from the outstanding Shah Islam.

Piror Chok started the day with a 7-1 hammering of Greater Fotehpur followed by a 3-2 defeat of Purushpal 1. Thereafter saw a 0-0 draw with Mathiura Purbabor, a 1-0 win over Chondogram and the group stages were rounded off with a resounding 4-0 defeat of Baurbagh 1.

The last sixteen clash with Nobang was tight and ended in a 1-1 draw and penalties. Pirorchok player manager and captain Aslam Hussain saved two spot kicks as Abul Hussain and Shah Islam converted to send Pirorchok through. Shah Islam was again the difference as the Aberfeldy man scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Matizura in their last eight clash.

A cagey semi final clash with Kangli again went to penalties after a 0-0 draw. Abul Hussain and Shah Islam were on target from the spot as the exemplary Aslam Hussain produced another two decisive penalty saves.

There was no time to celebrate as the final kicked off against Chutodesh and a sterling team performance led by the old warhorse and Beanibazar legend Abul Hussain saw the indomitable Shah Islam score the winner.

There was ecstasy and disbelief at the same time as Pirorchok lifted the Beanibazar Village Cup of 2023.

The success of the small village of Pirorchok was even greater considering that the team had no substitutes throughout the day. When the tournament started in 2021 Pirorchok were the last team to enter the Beanibazar Village Cup as they struggled to field a team to compete.

Player manager and captain Aslam Hussain was unanimously named man of the tournament for his crucial penalty saves throughout the day. He commented, “We have played every final since the tournament began and some would say it is very much a case of third time lucky. We believe otherwise as twice, despite such great disappointment, we have gone on to reflect and rebuild. We never gave up hope and today our spirit and character perfectly matched our fight on the field. Congratulations to the boys and thank you to all our supporters.”

Beanibazar Sporting Club President Mesba Ahmed added, “The Beanibazar Village Cup is a unique concept and has been organised to bring all generations of the expatriate greater Beanibazar UK community together. Today we have been treated to a feast of fantastic football but the greatest pleasure has been seeing so many generations of people coming together to enjoy a memorable day. Congratulations to Pirorchok and our commiserations to Chutodesh who were worthy finalists.”

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