Mymeningh district clinched their third consecutive title in the JFA U-14 National Women's Championship after handing Thakurgaon district a convincing 3-0 defeat in the grand finale at Bangabandhu National Stadium Friday.
Having been formed with 14 girls hailing from the Kolsindur village and four from Nandail, champion Mymensingh have 11 players in the current team who also featured in the last edition.
All the 18 players of Thakurgaon hail from the same village of Rangatuli from Rani Shankail upazila and it was their first ever appearance in the final. They reached the semi-finals in the last edition and most of the members have remained in the squad.Forward Rozina Akter was the architect of Mymensingh's win, scoring a brace in the 10th and 16th minute while Roni Akter added the other at the half-hour mark. All the matches of the tournament were 60-minute affairs.
Rozina finished as the top-scorer with 14 goals, despite missing two games, including the semi-final due to JSC examinations. "I could have reached the 20-goal mark if I had played all the matches," said Rozina after the game.
In Rozina's absence, Roni made it to the starting XI in the last game and the class six student netted a hat-trick in her maiden starting XI appearance.Coach Salahuddin Bulbul expressed hope with the future of Roni, adding that captain Yeasmin, striker Shamsunnahar and winger Amena Khatun were also key behind their success.
Thakurgaon coach Suga Murmu was also happy with the progress of his side, despite the final loss. "After playing the semi-final in the last edition and the final this year, it shows how much we have improved over time. I'm confident we can win the title in the next edition."
Thursday, April 25, 2024
