GUWAHATI, Sept 15 � Dominating proceedings from the word go, Abahoni Limited from Dhaka outshined Three Star Club of Nepal in the summit clash of the 59th Bharat Ratna Lokapriya Bordoloi Trophy Tournament.
It is for the seventh time that a foreign team has won the premier football championship of the country.
In the power interrupted match at the Nehru Stadium here this evening, Abahoni led 2-0 at the break and added one more in the second session where about 15 minutes were lost due to power failure.
Mehedi Hassan Ujjal fired home in the 11th minute to put the Dhaka outfit ahead. Mamun�s power packed drive from top of the box struck the cross piece and the ball dropped just inside the goal. Referee MB Santosh Kumar and his assistant Ratheesh Kumar signalled goal immediately.
Stung by the reverse, the Nepal players made desperate attempts to level the issue. Rajkumar Ghising made a valiant attempt in the 20th minute but Abahoni defender Mamun Mia headed the ball out from the goal line. In the 30th minute, Ranjeet Shresth unleashed a full-blooded drive but Nepal custodian Kiran Chemjong made a beautiful save diving full length to his right.
In the 40th minute, Imtiaz Sultan enhanced the margin anticipating a centre from Ntim Twum Frank.
After changing over the sides, Mehedi Hassan Ujjal completed the rout in the 65th minute. Ujjal�s shot deflected into the goal off Nepal defender Sanjeev Budhathoki.
The Nepal team was today totally outplayed by the Bangla outfit in every department. Dhaka midfielders � Kazi Nazrul and Ujjal � were in good touch and they played the most vital role in the middle third of the pitch. They overpowered Nepal medios � Anil Ojha, Ranjeet Shresth and Buddha Chemjong. Nepal defender Biraj Maharjan was also not in his usual form and as a result the Dhaka frontliners, led by Ashraf M Linkon and Ntim T Frank managed to cover big areas in Nepal�s striking zone.
Nepal custodian Kiran Chemjong was adjudged best goal keeper of the tournament, while Ujjal received Assam Sports Journalists Association�s best player of the final award. Sports Journalist Welfare Association selected Dhaka defender Samad Yussif as best player of the match.
In the closing function, State Health Minister and president of the Guwahati Sports Association Himanta Biswa Sarma gave away the champions� trophy to Abahoni Limited team. MLA Robin Bordoloi handed over the runners-up trophy. Imanil Haq Choudhury, Minister Press of Bangladesh High Commission was also present in the closing function.
