BKSP clinch U-18 nat'l c'ship title

Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP) clinched the Walton U-18 National Football Championship title by defeating Dhaka 4-2 in a penalty shootout at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

The final match rolled into tiebreakers after regulation and extra-time ended in a 1-1 draw.

From the outset, BKSP dominated 2007 edition's champion, Dhaka, with better ball procession and came close to breaking the deadlock during the 22nd minute but Meraj Hossain Api watched his powerful shot sail over the crossbar.

After resumption, Dhaka looked better and pressed for the lead. Eventually, they put their noses ahead eight minutes into the second half as Mohammad Raihan scored a header from a corner kick.

However, the country's lone sports institute did not take long to level the margin as Joynal Abedin Dipu beat Dhaka's goalkeeper with a powerful shot from outside the box in the 68th minute.

Afterwards, Dipu found another nice opportunity to put BKSP ahead but was denied by the goalkeeper while Rashedul failed to keep the follow-up on target. BKSP pressed on for a second goal but substitute goalkeeper Imon Hawlader kept his post clear even during extra time, forcing the match into the shootout.

Fahim Morshed, Merajul Islam Irfan, Dipu and Meraj Hossain Opi converted successfully for BKSP while Imon Mollah and Ismail squandered their shots for Dhaka, thereby handing BSKP the title of the U-18 Football tournament, which was held first time since 2007.