Brilliant
Team Bangladesh have overcome the odds to create history and become the first
ever winners of the inner city 7 a side World Cup organised by the Inner London
Football League.
Emdad
Rahman’s squad who were all assembled from within the vicinity of Tower
Hamlets, Camden, Newham and Barking & Dagenham were drawn in the group of
death alongside favourites Brazil, second favourites Colombia and a formidable
Jamaica side.
The first
game against Colombia saw an assured display result in a convincing 2-1 win
with a penalty from vice captain Abdal Ahmed and a solo finish from Jewel Haque
resulting in a hugely morale boosting start.
It was the
lift Team Bangladesh needed and this followed a resounding 4-0 second game
thrashing of Jamaica courtesy of Ash Rahman, Tafazzul Ali, Abdul Wahid and Abul
Hussain.
With both
Brazil and England through to the semis both teams played under less pressure
in their deciding game with Rahman, Nashir and Yusuf opting to look at
different formations.
Brazil
took the lead but two stunning efforts from Abdul Wadud saw Team Bangladesh
through to face newly installed favourites England.
The game
of the tournament saw Bangladesh run out blistering 5-3 winners in a thrilling
semi final with Atiqul Islam, team captain Abdul Hanif, Tafazzul Ali, Hassan
Abdullah and Ash Rahman making the difference against a brilliant England side.
It was
left for one last push as Bangladesh met their old friends Brazil in the final
who had earlier beaten Morocco in an entertaining semi final shoot out.
A tense
but energetic finale saw a well organised Brazil equalising Ash Rahman’s
opener. There were no more goals and it was onto penalties.
Team
Bangladesh keeper Russell Rahman pulled off two stupendous saves and following
on from his exploits in the Sylhet Upazila Cup in 2018 it was Jewel Haque who
once again scored the decisive penalty to send the players and supporters into
raptures as Bangladesh were crowned World Cup winners.
Inner
London Football League chair Koys Miah commented, “We organised this tournament
to bring our communities together. It’s our very first attempt and we have been
surprised at just what a magnificent spectacle today has been as we have celebrated
the best of Britain and its communities. Football has united us today."
After
handing out the runners up and winners trophy vice chair Rashid added, “This
tournament can only go from strength to strength. A massive thank you to our
sponsors Avenue Construction and huge congratulations to Emdad Rahman and his
superb team for their fantastic win. The team were simply immense from the very
first game and against some of the most outstanding teams from our community.”
Bangladesh
head coach Emdad Rahman MBE concluded, “Despite being in the group of death not
once did I ever doubt the boys could achieve this. What was key today was the
attitude of the players, the genuine camaraderie, respect for themselves and
opponents, hunger and undoubted ability.
“Each man
played his part to a tee and I don’t think a team has ever made so many
rotations as we accomplished the distinction of giving game time to each member
of our 16 man squad in every game.
“As the
squad came together on the pitch they created the perfect storm. We were
devastating going forward, we were deviating at the back! Well done to our team
- We have created a legacy here today which will be celebrated for years to
come.
“I’d like
to say huge thanks to ILFL for their faith in appointing me as head coach and
my coaching team of Muhammed Nashir and Hamid Yusuf for their amazing input and
management at all times. They along with the players are the real heroes today-
It has been an honour being their figurehead and I tip my hat to them.”
Bangladesh: ILFL World Cup Winners 2018
Coaching
team:
Emdad
Rahman MBE: Head coach & manager
Muhammed
Nashir: Assistant manager
Abdul
Hamid Yusuf: Assistant manager
Russell
Rahman
Abdul
Hanif
Shuhel
Ullah
Abdal
Ahmed
Jewel
Haque
Tafazzul
Ali
Khalid Ahmed
Abdul
Wahid
Abdul
Wadud
Hassan
Abdullah
Arshadur
Rahman
Abdul
Salam
Atiqul
Islam
Abul
Hussain
Jallal
Miah
Forhad M
Shah
Player of
the tournament: Abdal Ahmed
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