Jagannathpur Make History in Epic Upazila Cup Triumph

 

Emdad Rahman

The first ever Open Age Greater Sylhet Upazila Cup concluded in spectacular fashion, with Jagannathpur scripting history by lifting the trophy and going the entire tournament without conceding a single goal from open play. 

The two day footballing spectacle, hosted at the Bobby Moore Pavilion and and concluding at the iconic Mile End Stadium, was a contest of skill and a celebration of heritage, unity, and grassroots brilliance.

In the final, Jagannathpur delivered a professional performance to overcome a valiant Gulapganj side 2-0. Zain Haque opened the scoring with a clinical finish in the first half of extra time before Abdul-Kaium Ali sealed the victory late on. With disciplined defending, fluid attacking play, and a tactical masterclass from Head Coach Kamal Khan, Jagannathpur not only won the trophy but left an indelible mark on community football.

“I’m incredibly proud of these boys,” said Khan. “This was about representing our people with pride, passion, and purpose. We’ve shown what can be achieved through hard work and unity.”

The tournament, brilliantly organised by Sonali Othith, saw thousands of football lovers descend on th sports venues across two days, and treated to heart stopping drama, exquisite goals, and spirited rivalries steeped in tradition.

Jagannathpur’s road to glory included a dramatic penalty shootout win over a highly fancied Sylhet Sadar side in the semi-finals. On the other side of the draw, Gulapganj reached the final thanks to a jaw dropping solo goal by Arman Zaman, who weaved through defenders before coolly slotting home against Moulvibazar – It was one of the moments of the tournament.

“This tournament showed how powerful sport can be in bringing people together,” said Joynal Abdin Miah, Secretary of Sonali Othith. “We saw family, friends, elders, and youth cheering together in one space. Football was the language and everyone spoke it.”

The Greater Sylhet Upazila Cup was a tournament and a cultural showcase all in one, highlighting the rich footballing DNA of the British Bangladeshi community, blending flair and fight with unity and purpose. 

Organisers, referees, volunteers, and players all played their part in what many described as a “festival of football.”

The upshot? Community tournaments like this are the lifeblood of grassroots football. At a time when the game is increasingly commercialised, events like the Upazila Cup restore faith in its power to uplift, to inspire, and to heal. For second and third generation British Bangladeshis, these tournaments are powerful reminders of their roots, creating a bridge between the past and the future.

Congratulations to Sonali Othith for hosting a landmark event that has set a new benchmark. The next stop is the highly anticipated Veterans Upazila Cup, which returns to Mabley Green on August 24th. If the Open Age event is anything to go by, we’re in for another unforgettable chapter.

Let’s celebrate the organisers, the players, and most of all, the supporters, because without community, football is just a game. With it, it becomes a legacy.

Team London Lift Inter City Cup

Muhammad Talha

Sunday 27th July 2025 – Rising Stars Sports Academy, Birmingham

After an eight month long season Team London were crowned Inter City Bangla Cup Champions 2025 after a thrilling final day at Game Day 8, hosted by the Birmingham Bengal Legends. The atmosphere was electric as Birmingham, Kent, Sussex, Essex, Luton, and London battled it out over a day of 11 a side games. 

London’s campaign started strong with a gritty 1-0 win over Luton, Abdul Khaher netting the decisive goal. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Kent followed, but London rallied when it mattered most, securing the title with a commanding 2-0 win over hosts and runners up Birmingham - both goals coming from captain Aktar Hussain, and expertly assisted by Sherif Ahmed.

Elsewhere, KSE and Birmingham played out a tense goalless draw, before KSE comfortably beat Luton 8-1 to claim third place. Every team brought passion, flair, and veteran grit to a fitting season finale.

The Inter City Bangla Cup has become a beacon for unity, fitness, and mental wellbeing. It has reignited a love for football among veteran footballers, extending playing careers and reconnecting communities through sport.

The event concluded with a lavish celebratory dinner and presentation at the Badshah Palace, reflecting Birmingham’s flawless hospitality.

Mamun Uddin of Team London, who launched the Inter City League commented, “We’re still writing our story. Age is no barrier when your heart beats for the game. This championship has reignited something special in all of us.”

Captain and ICBC Golden Boot winner Aktar Hussain said, “This win is for every player who refused to hang up their boots. London stood tall today.”

Coach Emdad Rahman added, “Football is ageless and this league proves that passion never retires. Many of these players thought their days on the pitch were over, but here they are, playing with pride, competing hard, and inspiring the next generation. This Championship has given us purpose.”

Team London – Inter City Bangla Cup Champions

Md Raqeeb Shamim, Saiful Islam, Mamun Uddin, Sherif Ahmed, Saim Hussain, Kamruz Zaman, Akbal Ahmed, Anamul Hoque, Sana Miah, Masud Miah, Helal Uddin, Saad Miah, Mofojul Ali, Masum Ahmed, Nasim Ahmed, Aktar Hussain

Head Coach: Emdad Rahman

 

Liverpool: Premier League Champions 2024/25

 

Crowned at Anfield 

Liverpool 5-1 Tottenham

Anfield roared, the banners flew

Spurs in town, the title due

For Ange, all this a boyhood dream

Now faced the might of Slot’s Red team

Solanke rose, the old ties strong

A headed goal, a jarring song

Yet Liverpool, with spirit bold

Refused to bend, refused to fold

Diaz danced and struck with fire

Mac Allister with a strike to admire

The corner teased, the winds did play

But Gakpo wrote his golden day

Through swirling breeze and sea of red

Salah flew and the back four fled

Cutting inside, a Kop end scream

That selfie sealed a lifelong dream

Udogie’s slip, the fifth went in

A rout, a race, a season’s win

Champions crowned with flair and grace

Anfield is a special place

Under Slot, the Reds grew tight

Brotherhood of fire and fight

Now history, with ink still wet

Records etched they won’t forget

Spirit deep as rivers wide

They wore their badge with boundless pride

From August sun to April rain

They ruled the league and ruled again

#thewanderinglondoner 

emdad rahman

Uganda Day 1: Masjid Abu Bakr Siddique

Never wait for the opportunity to serve. You have to grab and grasp your chance as it will seldom ever land in your lap. 

So, it was a long day with a 4.30 am start. We barely slept three hours after arrival in Entebbe and checking in. By 5 we were on the road and after stopping for Fajr it was an 8 hour ride to Rwabalanga 

This is particularly significant on a personal level as Masjid Abu Bakr Siddique was built in memory of my beloved late father and it was heartwarming to see the community making excellent use of all the facilities. 

What a day so far and during our first visit to Rwabalanga we met the amazing locals and enjoyed their hospitality. 

This collaborative project with Team MC has taken years to come to fruition. 

We had a coaching session and then played girls versus boys.

A phenomenal performance from the girls saw them beat the boys 3-2 after being 2-0 down. 

The talent out here is astonishing. They were too fast, too fit, the close control, communication and vision was mesmerising. 

The girls even teed me up for the first goal of our comeback. 

Despite the abject poverty here the people are happy and content. Their gratitude is consistent and not based on the level or lack of help they get. 

If you want to get an idea then take a closer look at me holding the match ball - Yes, that’s what we played with!

Next steps in Rwabalanga are to provide more water facilities, electricity and a school. The Imam needs a bicycle for transport and this has been paid for with donations from family and friends. 

I do need funds for a wheelchair if anyone is feeling generous. 

There is a genuine need for us in the western world to engage more with such people to learn humility and gratitude on a level that cannot be taught in the classroom. 

We finished by visiting Ndemba in the Sheba District and once again enjoyed the company of a special group of people. 

#teammc #thewanderinglondoner

Bangladesh 2023: World Cup Winners!

Bangladesh have been crowned winners of the Inner London Football League for the second time. 

An astonishing final saw the Tigers beat Nigeria 6-2 in the final. 

It was an extraordinary day for an exceptional team. 

There's something quite brilliant about participating in a World Cup, with no commercial duties, responsibilities and expectations. The squad was carefree - All we had to do was focus on matters on the field.

I took the precious little time we had before stepping into the cauldron to welcome everyone and talk through tactics. The onus of responsibility and the heightened sense of expectation was placed deliberately and firmly upon the shoulders of the sixteen man squad, of which each playing member  was capable of starting any of our games.

And did they deliver in style, setting a precedent that will become the benchmark for all future winners of this prestigious grassroots tournament. 

The early group games commenced with Bangladesh facing Nigeria and it was the past champions who drew first blood by taking a 2-0 lead into half time courtesy of Sadiq Ahmed and Ahbab Hussain.

A talented and ultra fit Nigeria turned the screw in the second half and came back strong with three goals to completely turn the game on its head. 

The introduction of Gulzar Hussain enabled the wingers to exploit the flanks and Abul Hasnath (Polash) skipped in to level the game at 3-3. More importantly, an astonishing double save from the heroic Helal Uz Zaman was critical in Bangladesh avoiding defeat. 

With a challenging first game out of the way the second group fixture against Turkiye was a smoother affair as Team Bangladesh used their on field familiarity and composure to exert their influence across the pitch. 

Ash Khan and Abdul Muquith Dipon were durable at the back and a resounding 6-1 victory was the outcome. Two goals from Hashu Miah and Polash set the ball rolling with Ahbab and Sadiq completing the win. 

The third game against tournament favourites Portugal was a tight affair. With captain Abdul Wahid instrumental Bangladesh took a comfortable two goal lead through Sadiq and Hashu before the dangerous Portuguese pulled one back. 

Stout defending from the outstanding Emranul Hoque alongside Aminur Rahman and the strong forward hold up play of Abdul-Kaium Ali were key features of the game as Bangladesh progressed to the semi finals to face World Cup holders Colombia. 

The last four encounter was a marked display of the winning temperament and camaraderie within the squad as for the first time in the tournament Bangladesh fell behind to an early goal. 

A test of character was in order but Bangladesh remained patient in possession and belief and a succession of three quick substitutions resulted in three goals. 

Wahid converted from the spot as Colombia conceded a penalty. Hashu changed the game with a crucial second and the indomitable Shiblu Miah wrapped up an impressive 3-1 win with a rasping drive. 

After a very short break it was time for the hair raising experience of the national anthems. A couple of minutes of reflection and we were all set to go.

The final was a spectacle and the greatest this competition has seen as Bangladesh romped home 6-2 against a very competent Nigerian team. 

The Super Eagles had seen off England in the semi finals on penalties and faced the Tigers in a repeat of their first group game. 

The resounding win saw Bangladesh take an outstanding 4-0 lead into the half time break courtesy of Polash, Wahid (pen), Kaium and Hashu. 

The opposition came back strong and just like the first head to head, the Eagles scored two quick fire second half goals in a minute to completely open up the final.

Bangladesh had learnt from that first encounter and Ruhul Amin (Alamin) scored a crucial fifth to add breathing space. The nippy winger sealed a historic win with a sixth.

Abdul Hanif and Hassan Abdullah came on to join Wahid as double World Cup winners. 

Bangladesh dominance during the game allowed every single squad member to be rotated throughout the final. 

Tigers captain Wahid lifted the World Cup amidst jubilant scenes as we gratefully retained the crownwe last won in 2018.

World Cup co-ordinator Nanu Miah commented, “Today we have witnessed another historic day as we bought together and used football as a spectacle to showcase the very best of our communities here in Britain. We are proud to have united our communities. Well done Bangladesh - This great event will inspire many people young and old.”

Inner London Football League Chairman Rashid Ali added, “A magnificent achievement by the two time winners and respect and all credits are reserved for the head coach, the backroom team and the players for entertaining us all with dazzling football throughout the day - You are all worthy winners.“

My personal thoughts as Head Coach are this result is right up there with the very best and it was a day where Bangladesh were brilliant, playing a mouthwatering brand of football oozing class and sophistication from start to finish.

We displayed sportsmanship, resilience and positivity throughout. This is a squad which takes community responsibility very seriously and we hope this triumph will inspire and benefit numerous people in numerous ways.

I want to thank my players and my management team for winning with style and dignity. A special mention to Berti (Abdul Basit - Northern Scout and Team Bangladesh management) who couldn't make it on the day. I hope to bring the trophy up to you to celebrate in person. 

 Thank you to the Inner London Football League and chairman Rashid Ali for having the faith to hand me leadership of this distinguished and exceptional team. There are so many outstanding and far better candidates out there so it's been an honour taking charge of such a phenomenal cluster of talented ballers. 

Through the tournament all conquering Bangladesh remained unbeaten, conceding 8 and scoring a record breaking 18 goals - Polash and Hashu were joint top scorers with four goals each.

The lads who made up the squad are rather special and steeped in the ways of selfless community service. Apart from being outstanding footballers they have spent the best part of their lives helping those in need. 

Football has transformative powers and the unique ability to bring people together and create positive change. It is a powerful tool in addressing some of society's most pressing issues and through various initiatives is making a difference in the lives of people, offering them hope, empowerment, and a path to societal reintegration.

Well done boys! 

Team Bangladesh: 

Management team: Emdad Rahman MBE (Head Coach), Muhammed Nashir (Assistant Manager) - Hassan Abdullah - Abdul Aziz - Abdul Basit - Jakir Ahmed - Abdul Hakim

Helal Uz Zaman - Abdul Hanif - Ashrafur Khan - Abdul Muquith (Dipon) - Emranul Hoque - Abdul Wahid - Gulzar Hussain - Ruhul Amin (Alamin) - Abul Hasnath (Polash) - Sadiq Ahmed - Aminur Rahman - Hashu Miah - Ahbab Hussain - Abdul - Kaium Ali - Shiblu Miah - Hassan Abdullah