Monika delighted after Fifa recognition

Bangladesh midfielder Monika Chakma expressed delight after her brilliant goal against Mongolia in the semi-final of the Bangamata U-19 Women’s Gold Cup at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka last Monday featured in “Fifa Fans’ Favorite”.

Monika scored a stunning goal in that match minutes before the half-time whistle. 

The goal gained incredible adulation on social media from the fans who are used to watching European football.

Monika headed the ball away from an opponent defender before volleying it in spectacular fashion into the net.

Wonder Monika strike features in #Fifa Fans’ Favorite https://t.co/Sw9VtUubxI

— DhakaTribune (@DhakaTribune) May 4, 2019

In her reaction to the media Sunday morning, Monika said, “I felt good after coming to know about it. My teammates have already congratulated me. Actually, before that goal, I couldn’t quite apply the finishing touch. It felt good that it was also my first goal in the tournament.”

Youngest among five sisters, Monika informed that her family is yet to know about her achievement.

She said, “My father, mother and sisters don’t know about it yet. But they have seen that goal. They were really happy then. But the Fifa thing is one of more happiness. I will call my parents over phone and let them know about this.”

Bangladesh head coach Golam Rabbani Choton heaped praise on his disciple, saying, “Monika’s goal was outstanding. This is a big achievement for Bangladesh football. She has scored goals like this before. You can this goal made all of us proud.”

Monika though said she doesn’t play for the records and glory.

She added, “I don’t score goals to make records. I scored the goal for my country. I am more happy when my team win. I was thinking if I can get near the attacking third I might score. I took control after my header. When I unleashed the shot, I didn’t think it would be a goal. But soon I found out that it crashed the back of the net.

“In my position, it is more important to give assists than scoring. But sometimes I think I also have to score. In training, I train hard on corners and free kicks.”