Emdad Rahman
The historic first ever UK Bangla Media Cup – the first to be held outside Bangladesh – saw the best of the British Bangladeshi media come together to lock horns in a unique tournament.
The footballing spectacle was hosted by the West Ham United Academy and saw 12 teams put their footballing wits and skills against each other in the race to be crowned champions.
Our very own LB24 were played together for the very first time and achieved an excellent result in reaching six points unbeaten with no goals conceded. Unluckily, a pulsating final game draw against Channel S saw both teams exit the tournament. A highlight of the game was veteran goalkeeping legend Noor Uddin pulling off a stunning save from Channel S midfield general Abdul Wahid.
The final was a tight knit affair with NTV pitted against Rizwan Hussain’s TV One.
In a show of tactical genius, captain Abdal Ahmed switched to goalkeeper as the semi-final drew to an end. The Ponders End and Beanibazar star saved a crucial penalty in the sudden death shootout against Bangla TV, diving to his left to thwart Mohammed Kabir and send his team through to the final. Ahmed achieved instant hero status by repeating the trick with a minute to go in the final.
Having just played their semi, the tactics changed to a man marking system – and the TV One crew successfully nullified the threat posed by a potent NTV attacking triumvirate. The game headed to penalties again. Kamruz Zaman sent his penalty up and over onto the A13 before Abdul Hoque of TV One coolly slotted in the winning spot kick for Shiraz Miah’s men.
TV One Goalkeeper Abdul Qadir, who was playing after a 14 year break from football, was unanimously named man of the match.
Jubilant TV One Captain Abdal Ahmed said, “The team gelled, they played for each other. We used a range of tactics and were not afraid to switch plans as and when needed. Victory is for the brave and this superb win is the icing on the cake. Well done to the team.”
Zakir Khan, Associate Director at the Canary Wharf Group, said, “This is an advert for the best of our community. The spirit has been tremendous and the sense of fair play has been a joy to witness. Congratulations to TV One and to all our participants, sponsors and supporters today. You’re all winners.”
Tournament organiser Mujib Islam of Medialink added, “A huge round of applause and thanks to West Ham United for allowing us use of the academy training ground today. Our motto is ‘One Ball Unites All’, and today is a historic day as well as a day of great celebration. We look forward to next year with great gusto.”
Special thanks were reserved for Commissioner Repon Chowdhury who meticulously managed the tournament from start to finish. The Beaumont and Osmaninagar legend concluded, “It’s been a tremendous day and I’m proud to have played my part in such a great spectacle. My congratulations go out to all our participants.”
TV One: UK Bangla Media Cup Winners 2016 Head coach: Shiraz Miah Team: Arman Shahriar Abdus Satter Mishu Mahfujur Rahman Misbah Riaz Ahmed Abdal Ahmed (Captain) Abdul Hoque Rukon Alom Zakir Ahmed Joynul Islam Akbal Ahmed Abdul Kader Rizwan Hussain Taz Rahman
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