Forward Sazzad Hossain made a compelling case for his return to the national team with a hattrick that powered Brothers Union to an emphatic 8-0 victory over promoted Dhaka Wanderers Club in a Federation Cup fixture in Mymensingh yesterday.

Sazzad, who had been an unused substitute in the 1-0 loss to Bashundhara Kings in the opening match, was brought into the starting eleven for this game at Rofique Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium. The 29-year-old repaid the coach's trust with a brilliant performance, netting the season's second hattrick after Gambian teammate Mustapha Drammeh claimed the first in the same match.

The result kept Brothers' hopes alive for progressing to the second round, especially as defending champions Kings suffered a shocking 2-0 defeat to Fortis FC in Dhaka. Fortis currently top Group A with four points; one ahead of Brothers and Kings.

Sazzad, who previously featured for Sheikh Jamal DC, Mohammedan SC, and Saif SC, opened his scoring account for the season in the 29th minute. His effort followed goals from Kawsar Ali Rabbi and Mustapha. The Gambian forward completed his hattrick with strikes in the 65th and 70th minutes, while Sazzad added two more goals in the 45th and 82nd minutes to secure his own. Eleta Kingsley rounded off the scoring in stoppage time to complete the rout.

"It has always been a happy moment to get a goal and a hattrick is something more than that. However, it was not possible without the assistance from the teammates. Both the local and foreign players combined well to deliver this big win," Sazzad told The Daily Star while returning to Dhaka.

The experienced forward also expressed his ambition to make a return to the national team by maintaining his form throughout the season and scoring consistently.

"This hattrick has boosted my confidence, and I will try to score in every match if I get the chance. Scoring goals not only helps the team but also strengthens my case for a recall to the national team," he concluded.

Meanwhille, at the Kings Arena, Fortis resisted early spell of pressure from the three-time Federation Cup champions before Uzbek defender Jasur Jumaev broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, powering in a drop-header. Seven minutes later, Mohammad Abdullah latched onto a clever pass from Piash Ahmed Nova and outsmarted the onrushing goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico to double the lead.

The outcome marks Fortis' maiden win over Kings since their introduction in the top-tier football.