The class of Bishwanath 2022 have created history by winning the Greater Sylhet Upazila Cup at Mabley Green for a second time.
With two standalone triumphs Bishwanath take over from the joint Osmani Nagar/Balagonj and Osmani Nagar teams at the top of the honours roll.
Bishwanath beat a gutsy Beanibazar team 4-1 in the final and were deserved winners with a string of outstanding performances from beginning to end.
After being placed in the Group of Death Khalis Miah’s men navigated one of the toughest group stages ever by kicking off with a 0-0 draw with eventual semi finalists and two times champions Osmani Nagar.
Jagannathpur were beaten 1-0 with a goal by Brummie Abul Kalam.
Goals by Sajadul Hoque and Jahed Baksh in a 2-2 final group game draw against Moulvibazar were enough to send Bishwanath through to the knockout stages as group winners.
In the Quarter Finals Nobiganj were despatched easily. Goals from Shiblu Miah, Shozzad Ali, and Md Abul Kalam saw Bishwanath cruise into the semi finals with a resounding 3-0 win.
Bishwanath were displaying attacking prowess seldom seen at this level. With knockout stages games being known for cautious and often dreary affairs, the squad were intent on upping the ante.
The Semi Final was a foregone conclusion as a hat trick from Shazzad Ali, one goal from Syed Ali and a stupendous overhead kick from Sajjadul Haque ensured a 5-0 over previous cup winners Balagonj.
Bishwanath were a raging bull by now, and even after having a man sent off against a brave Beanibazar team making their first final appearance, Khalis Miah’s charges were just too strong, comprehensively winning 4-1 with two goals by Shiblu Miah, Sadique Ali and Jahed Baksh.
Speaking shortly after the final whistle Bishwanath manager Khalis said, “I’m just proud! Of the BSA management team, proud of my players and proud of this squad.
“The boys followed my instructions to the letter and more, raising themselves and others around them.
“Thank you to the BSA management, to all the players, to all the supporters (Bishwanathi and non Bishwanathis) for your faith and belief. The outstanding atmosphere created throughout, especially in the final was mesmerising.”
The trophy was presented to Bishwanath by Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman.
Sonali Othith Chairman Jamal Uddin added, Bishwanath were amazing on the day. They deserve this trophy based on their strong performances from beginning to need.
“Sonali Othith would like to commend Beanibazar for reaching the final for the first time and for helping creating such great memories.”
Bishwanath were emphatic all day and played a fiery brand of football not seen before in this prestigious tournament. On both occasions when they have won the Upazila Cup the team have played a scintillating pressing game, flair and charisma fused with supreme firepower.
The knockout stages usually provide less adventure, tight, defensive encounters as teams resort to closing ranks, seek a goal on the counter attack, or turn to the lottery of a penalty shootout.
This year was different with Bishwanath scoring twelve goals in the knockout stages alone. The 2022 final stands out as the greatest inUpazila Cup history.
They are deserved winners who have set completely new standards and records for Britain’s most prestigious Bangladeshi football tournament.
My beloved Beanibazar were soundly beaten but we pay homage to worthy champions who have broken Upazila Cup records and set a new benchmark for this prestigious tournament.
We should all be very proud of an ageing Team BB who were exceptional in reaching the final.
But fair is fair and Bishwanath were in a different league altogether.
The plan of action at Bishwanath is focussed on the long term - Bring in fresh talent regularly, deploy a strong scouting team network to scour the whole country for footballers.
In my first game as manager we faced Babul Bhai and Bishwanath in a friendly at Mabley Green. We won 4-0 and he explained to me that he was embarking on a mission to travel out and assemble a pool of the best players from all over the country.
It’s all paid off!
The success of this requires commitment and dedication from a hardworking and effective board that support a manager to the hilt.
Other teams will be studying this copybook in the hood of emulating this winning formula.
Up to this point and pound for pound this is the greatest team the Upazila Cup has produced.
Twelve goals in the knockout stages alone is a new record.
Bishwanath 2022
Khalis Miah - Manager
Mohammed Abdul Hoque - Assistant
1. Abdul Hussain (London)
2. Lokus Miah (London) (C)
3. Mohammed Rokib Ali (London)
4. Jahid Hasan Numan (London)
5. Abdul Kalam (Keighley)
6. Syed Ali (London)
7. Abdul Kalam (London) (VC)
8. Abdul Kalam (London)
9. Saddique Ali (London)
10. Jahed Baksh (London)
11. Shozzad Ali (Coventry)
12. Rahmat Miah (Rochdale)
13. Shamim Noor (Coventry)
14. Md Abul Kalam (Birmingham)
15. Kabir Uddin (Birmingham)
16. Sazadul Haque (Rochdale)
17. Shiblu Miah (Luton)
18. Humayun Rashid Rubel (Birmingham)
Man of the tournament: Shiblu Miah
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