Emdad Rahman
SUNAMGANJ EXACTED revenge by beating rivals Sylhet in the 2017 over 50s Sylhet District Cup at Stepney Astroturf.
The Whitechapel-based team lost the same final 2-1 to Sylhet in Hackney last year and, with a team boosted by the selection of four new 50 year olds, started the game as favourites.
Both teams played a high tempo game watched by a sizeable crowd – including their respective over 40s, who were due to play the final for their own age category straight after. With temperatures rising and adrenaline levels remaining high throughout the hour, both teams had a player sent off as the group of veterans vied with one another for the right to lift the Cup.
With a minute remaining, Moklu Miah sent Arman Ali flying in the box, and up stepped Mostaque Choudhury for what would be a certain winner. But a stupendous, gravity-defying save from Newark legend Ubedun Noor Choudhury sent the game to penalties.
Sylhet missed two spot kicks after Pervez Chowdhury had put them ahead. It was left to Captain Jamal Uddin to step up, and the veteran made no mistake with a rifle of a shot to give Sunamganj the trophy.
Uddin, who is the Chair of Sonali Othith, said, “Both teams played excellent football and it’s unfortunate one had to lose. At this age these players are a credit to themselves and our community. I’m sure Sylhet will be back stronger in 2018.”
•Read more about it: Team Ability Bow compete at Parallel London Sylhet over 40s are District Cup champions 2017
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