The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Host Bangladesh romped through the South Asian Games men's football as unbeaten champions as they finished the regional race beating Afghanistan by 4-0 goals amid euphoric celebrations at Bangabandhu National Stadium here Monday.

It was a second soccer triumph for Bangladesh after clinching the first-ever gold in men's football in Kathmandu SA Games in 1999. Bangladesh also lifted the SAFF trophy o home ground in 2003.

And the spectacular win came when the Bengalis were still basking in Sunday's championship in the maiden SAG T20 cricket competition.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith, State Minister for Youth and Sports Ahad Ali Sarkar, Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairman Zahid Ahsan Russell and Rashed Khan Menon MP, among others, witnessed the day's final and shared an exuberance of joy with the soccer fans.

Later, the Finance Minister gave away the championship trophy and gold medals to the winners.

In the day's match, attacking midfielder Atiqur Rahman Meshu, striker Enamul Haque, substitute striker Abdul Baten Komol and substitute forward Touhidul Alam Sabuj scored one goal each for the winners, who led the first half 2-0.

Meshu opened the account for Bangladesh at the 19th minute with a header from handshake distance capitalizing on a free kick from Waly Faisal (1-0).

Bangladesh again came close to scoring at the 23rd minute, but Enamul Haque's powerful right footer from 15 yards was brilliantly gripped by Afghan custodian Bashir Ahmad.

Enamul again missed another scoring chance at the 25th minute as his side volley from inside the D-box narrowly flew out by the side bar.

The promising striker, Enamul, finally found the net at the 34th minute with a header from inside the danger zone taking a close chip from Shakil before Yousuf did the spadework at the right wing (2-0).

After the lemon break, Bangladesh continued their domination over the visitors scoring the third goal at the 79th minute. Substitute striker Komol, who stood at the goal-mouth melee, sent the ball home with a powerful right-footer giving no chances to substitute Afghanistan custodian Faqir (3-0).

Sabuj completed the victors' tally at the 87th minute with a header from inside the D-box after Komal's close attempt fisted by Afghan custodian Faqir came to his way (4-0).

Bangladesh dominated over the entire proceedings in the one-sided final race and notched their deserving victory while Afghanistan was tally off color and failed to produce any real attack in the match.

"The home crowd in the big bowl burst into jubilation as the last whistle blew," says an eyewitness account of the celebrations.

As of the cricket-win cash prize, the booters will also get a bounty of Tk 15 lakh, as announced by the Prime Minister in advance.

On way to the finale, Bangladesh beat Bhutan 4-0, Nepal 3-0 and the Maldives 1-0 in the group matches and India 1-0 in the semifinal.