Bangladesh clinch first position in SA games

Bangladesh clinched the coveted football gold medal of the SA Games after long 11 years with a facile 4-0 victory over Afghanistan in the final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Monday. Atiqur Rahman Mishu, Enamul Huq, Abdul Baten Komol and Towhidul Alam Sabuj scored the goals for the champions who dominated whole 90 minutes of the final and presented the hosts with the 18th gold medal of the meet. Bangladesh footballers produced excellent teamwork and maintained the same rhythm throughout the game. Afghanistan had very little space to show their abilities and their in-form forward Belal Arezou, who scored nine goals in the tournament, failed to inspire his team.
Bangladesh went in front in the 18th minute through midfielder Mishu. Defender Nasir produced another of his dazzling footwork to dribble past two Afghan defenders and finding no way to halt Nasir an Afghan defender brought him down just outside the penalty box. Waly Faisal curled the resulting free-kick and Mishu headed the ball into the right hand post of Afghan keeper Bashir Ahmad.
Bangladesh continued to probe the opposition defence. Forward Enamul’s a fierce side-volley from the middle of the box in the 24th minute whistled past the side post.
The thirst for the title kept the Bangladesh players on their toes and they doubled the lead in the 33rd minute. Left-winger Shakil controlled an Enamul cross and gave a neat cross for Enamul to head it home.