Courtesy: The Daily Star


Brothers futsal champs

Two-goal Abdullah Parvez turned on the style in a memorable performance as the Abahani-discard took sweet revenge against his former club, helping Brothers Union to become the first futsal champions in the country yesterday.

Brothers, who played just two matches in the first ever competition of football's indoor version -- Citycell Futsal competition -- before the final, defeated Abahani 4-3 in a pulsating finale at the Woodenfloor Gymnasium.

Having played some exhilarating football in the five-day competition since their loss in the Federation Cup final last week, Abahani once again choked in the final barrier as they went 3-0 down by 16 minutes.

Parvez, who joined the Gopibagh outfit from Abahani this season, opened the account with his favourite left foot after eight minutes and added his second two minutes later. Ariful then found the net in the 16th minute as the Oranges -- pressing hard with a starting line-up of Shakil, Zahid, Munna, Shuvra and Parvez -- reaped rich harvest.

The Sky-blues, however, did not give without a fight and showed some character with two goals inside the next two minutes from Zahid Hasan Emily and Mamunul Islam, who had scored hattricks in the side's first two games.

In the second half, Abahani substitutes Abul and Zahed Parvez, who replaced Siraji and Tipu respectively, put on a great show.

Abul finally restored parity for in the 31st minute and Abahani could have sealed the final six minutes later but for Emily's missed penalty.

The full 40 minutes looked set to end in the 3-3 scoreline but Matiur Munna rocketed in a winner two minutes from time when the veteran capitalised on hesitations by Abahani goalkeeper Tariq and defender Siraji.

Abdullah Parvez, adjudged man of the tournament, said after the final that he liked the competition very much.

"It's new to us but I think if we continue to play futsal, we will learn the different tactics of this game and be a very good team," told Parvez, whose skill and control were treat to watch.

"I feel proud to win this award as well as for my team to win this. I think futsal should be played regularly at the start of a season to enhance the players' skill and fitness.

Bangladesh Football Federation president Kazi Salahuddin distributed trophies and prize money after the final.

Brothers received Tk 50,000 and Abahani pocketed Tk 25,000.

BFF vice presidents Badal Roy, Shawkat Ali Khan Jahangir, members Khurshid Babul, Anwarul Hoque Helal were also present.

Muktijoddha withdrew in the last minute from the eight-team event while Mohammedan walked out during their last group match against Brothers in protest of on-pitch violence and later forfeited their semifinal against Abahani.






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com