Kool-BSJA Media Cup: TDS into quarters

The Daily Star moved into the quarterfinals on the third day of the Kool-BSJA Media Cup, edging out ATN Bangla 1-0 at the BFF astroturf today in a round of 16 clash.

Although the team looked far removed from the side that had defeated BTV 3-0 to record the joint-biggest win of the opening day, they found their goal after finally settling down in the second half.

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The Daily Star's first-half display was filled with frantic and fruitless attacks, led by a bewildered Nabid Yeasin, instead of focusing on the build-up play that had helped them dominate the opening encounter.

Mazhar Uddin, who had been in Chattogram and missed the opening clash, was disciplined for his transgression, but he came off the bench and had an immediate impact.

The former Dhaka Tribune hitman got a deft touch on the ball and made a darting run, before being fed in by skipper Samama Rahman. With all the time in the world and the defenders and goalkeeper converging, Mazhar baited them till the last second before passing the ball to the far post, where Samama tapped home.

Zahid Hasan Emily turned up to watch the games and was so impressed by Samama’s display that he insisted he be the one to present the skipper with his second consecutive man-of-the-match award.

Mazhar then had a chance to tap one home himself, but he couldn't sort his feet out in time to meet Abdullah Al Mehdi's ball across the box.

Fazlur Rahman and Orchid ran a tight ship in defence, not allowing a single shot on target from the opposition, while Khalid Hossain shielded them and initiated attacks. Ahsan Habib replaced Ashfaq Ul Mushfiq between the sticks and although he was untested, his distribution was a step up. Shabab Chowdhury, stepping into the defence from time to time, also held his own.

On the opening day, Nabid had lost his head completely as he screamed for the ball at every turn. After finally opening the scoring, he quietened down, but the worst was yet to come. Samama, after netting a goal, played Nabid in behind the defence three times, but he was rebuffed by the goalkeeper each time. Khalid scored the third.

The Daily Star will meet DBC in the quarterfinals of the six-a-side tournament while RTV will take on Kalbela, Boishakhi TV will play Bangla Tribune and defending champions Channel I will meet Jago News on Tuesday.