Khulna clinch Bangamata Gold Cup U-17 football tournament title

Khulna Division clinched the title of inaugural Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib National Gold Cup U-17 Football tournament (girls’) beating Dhaka Division by 4-3 goals in penalty shoot out in the keenly contested final held today (Saturday) at Bangabandhu National Stadium in the capital.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina witnessed the day’s final as the chief guest and handed over the trophy to the champion team. State minister for youth and sports Zahid Ahsan Russell, MP, was also present as the special guest.

The match rolled in to tie breaker after the regulation time ended in a 2-2 goal draw.

In the regulation time, Krishna Jannath and Unnoti Khatun scored one goal each for champions in the 17th and 45th minutes respectively while Rawshan Jahan and Sadia netted one goal apiece for Dhaka Division in the 11th and 55th minutes respectively.

Shorna Rani Mandal of Khulna division was adjudged the player of the match for her impressive performance in the final while Unnoti Khatun of the same team was named the player of the tournament. She also received the highest scorer award.

Besides, Susmita Barman of Dhaka division was given the best goal keeping award.

The champions received cash award of Taka two lacs in addition trophy while the runners-up team got Taka one lac in addition trophy.

Earlier, on way to the final, Khulna division defeated Chattogram 4-1 to set up a final against Dhaka Division, who edged past Rangpur Division by a solitary goal in the semifinal matches.