University Football El Clasico goes Daffodil’s way

Daffodil International University (DIU) claimed their maiden ABG University Cup Football title after cruising to a 3-0 victory over American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) in a one-sided final at Bashundhara Kings Arena, ABG Sports City, on Tuesday.

The much-anticipated university football El Clasico lived up to its billing in the stands, with thousands of students from both universities creating a carnival-like atmosphere. They cheered their teams, roared at every attacking move and kept the arena buzzing throughout the contest.

Daffodil dominated the opening exchanges, launching at least 10 attacks towards the AIUB goal in the first 15 minutes and creating four clear scoring opportunities. AIUB, meanwhile, were largely pinned back in defence, managing only two or three attacks at the other end.

The contest took a dramatic turn in the 20th minute when the referee sent off two players, one from each side. AIUB’s Rashedul, wearing jersey No. 18, and Daffodil’s Tanzim, wearing No. 16, were shown red cards.

Daffodil broke the deadlock in the 31st minute. Unusa Abubakar fired a low shot into the net from inside the box after being set up by Salisu Dauda.

Daffodil captain Khalil told Daily Sun after the match that his team had entered the tournament determined to win the title, reflecting the university’s winning mentality in every competition.

“Daffodil always have a different kind of confidence. Our target in every tournament, not just this one, is to become champions,” he said after the match.

Khalil acknowledged the challenge posed by AIUB, describing the rivalry as the university football equivalent of Barcelona versus Real Madrid.

“AIUB are always a good team. They play dominant football, and whenever we face each other, the match becomes an El Clasico. At university level, AIUB-Daffodil is like Barcelona-Real Madrid,” he said.

He also praised the organisers for staging a university football tournament at an international-standard venue under floodlights, describing the experience as a major opportunity for university students and emerging players.

Daffodil’s Unusa Abubakar was named Player of the Match in the final and Most Valuable Player of the tournament after scoring five goals during the competition. He was named Player of the Match twice in the tournament.

AIUB’s Akash Ali finished as the top scorer with six goals, while his teammate Rashedul Islam was named Best Defender. AIUB goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan received the Best Goalkeeper award.

AIUB finished runners-up and received Tk5 lakh in prize money. Their players and officials collected their medals and the runners-up trophy from ABG Sports City Director and Bashundhara Kings President Imrul Hassan.

Champions DIU received Tk10 lakh in prize money, which was handed over by Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) President Tabith Awal.

Imrul, who watched the final from among the spectators, told Daily Sun that the turnout and enthusiasm had brought back memories of football’s heyday in Dhaka.

“I watched the entire match from the stands. The huge crowd and the excitement among the spectators reminded me of the 1980s and 1990s, when Dhaka football enjoyed such tremendous support. It brought back memories of the passion that once surrounded the game. I thoroughly enjoyed the match,” he said.

Tabith thanked ABG Sports City and Anvur Bashundhara Group (ABG) for bringing the inter-university competition to life, saying the event had demonstrated the appetite for university-level football in Bangladesh.

“An inter-university competition was exactly what Bangladesh needed, and today's atmosphere proves that. We have university-level players, renowned players and spectators eager to see their teams on the pitch. I am extremely proud to be part of such an event,” he said.

He also wished all participating teams and players success, expressing hope that the competition, initiated by Sayem Anvir Sobhan, chairman, ABG, would continue to provide opportunities for university footballers.