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Independence Cup: Bashundhara Kings, Dhaka Mohammedan reach semifinals
Holders Bashundhara Kings and Dhaka Mohammedan SC reached the semifinal of the season's curtain raiser soccer meet, the Independence Cup Football 2023 eliminating their rivals at different venues in the capital and adjoining areas on Tuesday.
In the day's fourth and last quarterfinal, Bashundhara Kings advanced to the last four stage eliminating Bangladesh Army by 2-1 goals in a keenly contested match at their home venue --Bashundhara Kings Arena --Tuesday evening.
Star studded Bashundhara Kings will play the 2nd semifinal on December 15 at the Bashundhara Kings Arena against former championsDhaka Abahani Limited, which made a semifinal berth eliminating Sheikh Jamal DC by 3-2 goals in tie breaker at the same venue last Sunday.
The Kings dominated the first half by a solitary goal.
Uzbek defender Boburbek put the Kings ahead in the 39th minute by a header, off a Miguel corner (1-0), while local forward Shahriar Emon levelled the margin for the Army team in the 61st minute, utilizing a lapse of Kings goalie Srabon (1-1).
Brazilian forward Dorielton Gomes scored the match winning goal for the Kings in the 76th minute by a placing shot, capitalizing on a,Saad Uddin pass (2-1).
Earlier in the day' third quarterfinal, Dhaka Mohammedan SC booked a seat for the semifinal, eliminating Chittagong Abahani Limited by 1-0 goals in the extra time at the Bir Shreshtha Fl Lt Shaheed Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj Tuesday afternoon.
They will play the first semifinal, also on December 15 at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj against the Rahmatganj MFS, which qualified for the semis, eliminating Bangladesh Police FC by 2-1 goals in the first quarterfinal last Sunday.
After a goalless position in the stipulated 90-minute, Uzbek midfielder Muzaffarov scored the match winning goal for the traditional black and whites Mohammedans by a brilliant free kick from about 30 yards that kissed net over opponent custodian in the 7th minute of extra time (97th minute) .
Islam Sakib of Chittagong Abahani got matching order in the 115th minute, after receiving the 2nd yellow card.
The title deciding final match will commence on December 18 at 1:45 pm at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj.
Is a new era in Bangladeshi cricket in the making? Chandika prefers to watch for now
The cricket scene is jubilant following Bangladesh’s win in the first Test of the two-match series against New Zealand.Many are seeing the dawn of a new era in Bangladeshi cricket.
Chandika Hathurusingha, the head coach of Bangladesh, however, prefers to observe the team's continued progress for now rather than labeling it “beginning of a new era.”
Bangladesh's victory in Sylhet was unexpected, especially considering the absence of star performers Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Litton Das from the playing XI. In contrast, New Zealand came into this series with nearly all of their formidable players and a history of strong performances against Bangladesh, both abroad and at home.
Despite these challenges, Bangladesh shone under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, who stepped into Shakib’s shoes as the regular captain. Chandika was impressed by Shanto's captaincy and leadership from the front.
“There are differences between captaincy and leadership,” Chandika said. “He did well as a captain. He was always one step ahead in the match, positioning fielders with great thinking, sometimes in unorthodox ways.”
Read: Dhaka Test: Nayeem Hasan Uncertain for 2nd Test vs New Zealand
Chandika believes that Najmul has a promising future as a captain but deferred the decision of appointing him as captain for an extended period to the board.
“The board will make the final decision on a long-term captain,” Chandika added. “But I see him as a strong contender.”
While Chandika refrains from hailing the win in Sylhet as the dawn of a new era, he is hopeful for another victory in the second match in Dhaka, starting on Wednesday. This would be a significant start for the Tigers in the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.
“It’s not possible to change everything overnight,” he said. “We have been doing the right things needed to create a good cricketing culture. If we maintain the right process, the results will take care of themselves.”
Read: Bangladesh's triumph under Najmul: A new chapter in the making
He added that they will stick to the plan they had before starting this series, that is winning the series.
While Bangladesh is preparing for another match to display their Test prowess, Nayeem Hasan might have to be sidelined as the right-arm spinner suffered a blow on his right index finger during a practice session on Tuesday.
New Zealand pacer Tim Southee is expecting another battle of spinners in the Dhaka Test.
“I think you come to this part of the world, you expect the spinners to play a big role. And we saw that in the first Test match and we are expecting similar in the second match,” Southee said.
Dhaka Test: Nayeem Hasan Uncertain for 2nd Test vs New Zealand
Right-arm spinner Nayeem Hasan suffered a blow to his finger during a practice session on Tuesday, casting uncertainty over his participation in the Dhaka Test against New Zealand starting on Wednesday.
In the first match of the series, Nayeem scored 20 runs in two innings and bagged three wickets. Bangladesh won that match by 150 runs.
Chandikha Hathurusingha, the head coach of Bangladesh, briefed the media on Tuesday. He said Nayeem has been playing his role according to the team's needs.
Read: Bangladesh's triumph under Najmul: A new chapter in the making
“I’m happy with Nayeem’s performance,” Chandika said. “He was the highest wicket-taker in the national league. And he did what he needed to do. He played his role very well.”
Nayeem suffered the blow on his right index finger, leading to his discontinuation of practice.
After winning the first match in Sylhet, Bangladesh is eyeing to seal the second match and the series as well.
Read: Women's T20I: Shorna shines with ball as Tigresses triumph in Benoni
Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said the win in the Sylhet Test was the half task, and now they are looking forward to winning the series by sealing the Dhaka Test, which would mean a great start to the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.
Copa América semifinals in New Jersey and Charlotte, among 14 U.S. cities hosting next summer
Fourteen U.S. cities will play host to Copa América next summer, with the semifinals at East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Charlotte, North Carolina, ahead of the July 14 championship in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The host Americans will be in Group C and open at Arlington, Texas, on June 23, then play Atlanta four days later and Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on July 1.
The governing bodies of South America and of North and Central America and the Caribbean made the announcement Monday, filling in the cities that will be part of the 16-team tournament.
The quarterfinals will be held July 4 at NRG Stadium in Houston; July 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas; and July 6 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
The semifinals will be in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on July 9 and Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium the next day. The third-place game will be in Charlotte on July 13, the eve of the final.
The draw is set for Thursday in Miami. This will be only the second time Copa América has been held outside of South America since the inaugural tournament in 1916.
"These venues are world-class and have passionate fans who are renowned for getting behind major events,” CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani said in a statement.
Read: Carlo Ancelotti will coach Brazil at Copa America next year says confederation chairman
CONMEBOL and CONCACAF announced last month that the June 20 opening game will be at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, while South Florida's Hard Rock Stadium landed the final.
Reigning Copa América and World Cup champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, has been placed in Group A and will play in the Atlanta opener, as well as East Rutherford five days later and Miami Gardens on June 29.
The other sites revealed Monday: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California; Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California; Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida; Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas; and a smaller facility in the Kansas City metro area: Children's Mercy Park on the Kansas side of the border.
Mexico opens in Houston on June 22, plays four days later at Inglewood and closes the first round on June 30 at Glendale.
Brazil heads group D and has games in Inglewood on June 24, Las Vegas four days later and Santa Clara on July 2.
Eleven of the venues are best-known as NFL stadiums, ranging in size from 63,400-seat State Farm Stadium to 82,500-seat MetLife Stadium. The other three — 25,500-seat Exploria Stadium, 20,700-seat Q2 Stadium and 18,500-seat Children's Mercy Park — are Major League Soccer facilities.
Copa América is expanding in 2024, with six teams from North America joining the usual 10 nations from South America that compete for the continental championship. The format mirrors the Copa América Centenario in 2016, the only previous time the tournament was staged outside of South America.
Read: 2024 Copa América in US to start on June 20
“We will experience an unforgettable Copa América, enjoying the best football in the world in 14 magnificent stadiums,” said Alejandro Dominguez, the president of CONMEBOL.
For the 2024 edition, the CONMEBOL regulars will be joined by six CONCACAF qualifiers. The host United States, Mexico, Jamaica and Panama earned their spots by winning in the Nations League quarterfinals, while March 23 playoff games matching Costa Rica vs. Honduras and Canada vs. Trinidad and Tobago will determine the final two entrants.
Two group-round games will be played at every site except for Charlotte — which has the pair of knockout matches — and the two Kansas City stadiums, which have one group game each.
MetLife Stadium, NRG Stadium, Levi’s Stadium and State Farm Stadium are the only returning stadiums from the 10 venues that were used for Copa América Centenario, though games also were held in Orlando (Camping World Stadium) and the Los Angeles area (Pasadena's Rose Bowl).
The final won by Chile over Argentina on penalty kicks -- Messi memorably left the field in tears after putting his attempt over the crossbar -- was played at MetLife Stadium outside of New York City.
Except for the Centenario tournament, Copa América hosting duties usually have rotated among the 10 COMNEBOL nations in South America. The arrangement called for Ecuador to host in 2024, but that country backed out because of security issues.
The U.S. stepped in to fill the void under a new partnership between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF.
Eight of the 14 stadiums for Copa América have already been picked as venues for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Read: Real Madrid win Spanish Supercopa with victory over Athletic Bilbao in the final
They are: MetLife Stadium, Hard Rock Stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Levi's Stadium, SoFi Stadium, AT&T Stadium, NRG Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium.
Some of those venues could also be in the running for another major tournament that will be staged in the U.S. in 2025 — the expanded Club World Cup featuring 32 teams.
Montagliani said holding two major competitions ahead of the World Cup will “cement our region as a global hub for football."
South Asian Karate: Bangladesh finish 3rd securing 7 golds, 8 silvers, 16 bronze medals
Bangladesh finished third in the 7th South Asian (Cadet, Junior, U-21 and Senior) Karate Tournament that concluded on Sunday in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu.
Hosts Nepal emerged champions in the week-long regional karatemeet, securing 30 golds, 23 silvers and seven bronze medals.
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Bangladesh finished third, securing seven golds, eight silvers, 16 bronze medals, participated by 32 players alongside another 20 officials, judges and coaches.
South Asian Karate: Bangladesh finishes 4th securing 7 gold medals
Apart from the competitions, referees seminars, judges and coaches examinations were also held on the occasion, where six Bangladeshis came out successful in the certified coaches exam and seven in the judges B exam.
S Asian Karate Championship: Bangladesh men’s junior team win gold
FIFA Women's Int'l: Bangladesh win two-match series crushing Singapore 8-0
Hosts Bangladesh Women's Team smartly clinched two-match FIFA Tier-1 Women's International Friendly Football Series 2-0 crushing touring Singapore Women's Team by 8-0 goals in the last match at the Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mostafa Stadium in Kamalapur in Dhaka on Monday afternoon.
Bangladesh, which needed just a draw in the day's match to win the two-match-series, outplaying Singapore 3-0 in the first match last Friday, today (Monday) comfortably dominated the first half by 3-0 goals, featuring three goals in span of eight minutes.
This was the second biggest victory for Bangladesh Women's Football Team in the month of country's victory after their ever-biggest 9-0 goals win over Bhutan at home in December 2010, that also in the month of victory.
Bangladesh's triumph under Najmul: A new chapter in the making
Bangladesh emerged triumphant against New Zealand in the recently concluded Sylhet Test, propelled by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto's stellar century in the second innings—a historic feat as the first Bangladeshi cricketer to achieve such a milestone in Test cricket in their captaincy debut.
Women's T20I: Shorna shines with ball as Tigresses triumph in Benoni
Najmul's standout performance has ignited a sense of anticipation among the Tigers, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in their cricketing journey.
Despite the absence of key players such as Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Litton Das, Bangladesh secured victory in the Sylhet Test. Tamim's prolonged exclusion from the Test team was attributed to ongoing concerns about injuries, while Shakib and Litton were unavailable for personal reasons and injuries.
Under Najmul’s leadership, Bangladesh unveiled a revamped lineup featuring a new-look team. The opening duo, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan, collectively participated in 13 Tests before the Sylhet match. The playing XI included debutant Shahadat Hossain and a novice pacer, Shoriful Islam, alongside spinner Nayeem Hasan, who has experienced sporadic appearances in the team over the past few years. Overall, the team is still in the process of establishing a cohesive and proven balance.
Despite these apparent deficits, the team performed as if they had been playing together for an extended period.
Taijul Islam showcased his brilliance taking 10 wickets in the match, a familiar sight at home, devoid of the glamour or stardom enjoyed by players like Shakib, Tamim, and Litton. Nevertheless, this didn't hinder Taijul from delivering a stellar performance, ultimately securing victory for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh secures historic Test victory over New Zealand at home
Experienced players such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Mehdiy Hasan Miraz also excelled in the match, contributing significantly to Bangladesh's historic maiden Test win over New Zealand at home.
As stalwarts Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiq, and Mahmudullah Riyad approach the twilight of their careers, it was a gratifying sight to witness Najmul and the young players shoulder the responsibility, signaling the initiation of a new epoch in Bangladesh cricket.
Just before the Test series against New Zealand, Bangladesh competed in the ICC World Cup in India and faced a significant setback. Out of the nine matches played, they suffered defeat in seven. According to Bangladesh’s World Cup captain Shakib, this dismal performance marked the Tigers' worst showing in a World Cup.
Recognizing the need for a resurgence, Najmul and the team were acutely aware that a victory against New Zealand in the first Test would be viewed as a commendable comeback, and they successfully achieved just that.
Right before the Sylhet Test, Najmul advocated for appointing a captain for a longer period, emphasizing the importance of allowing the new leader to shape the team culture and guide its trajectory. This was a clear indication that Najmul is prepared to lead the Tigers for a substantial duration.
Post the Sylhet Test, Najmul expressed that the victory marked only the completion of half the main task, manifesting his ambition to secure the series win.
Bangladesh's ODI, T20 Squads for tour of New Zealand announced
These instances highlight Najmul’s mindset and the team’s hunger for success. Appointing Najmul as the new captain for an extended period would undoubtedly be a wise choice for Bangladesh, relying on his cricketing prowess and leadership abilities. Given his recent performance and mindset, it's evident that a new chapter can successfully unfold under his captaincy.
Women's T20I: Shorna shines with ball as Tigresses triumph in Benoni
Bangladesh Women beat their South African counterparts in a T20I after 11 years on Sunday, riding on a wonderful bowling display by Shorna Akter to win the first game of a three-match series by 13 runs at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
It was only the second time that Bangladesh's women defeated South Africa in the format - the previous occasion having been the very first match between the two teams in 2012.
The Player of the Match title was claimed by Shorna Akter of Bangladesh, whose exceptional bowling performance played a pivotal role in securing the win. Shorna finished with impressive figures of 5/28, leaving the South African batters struggling to build momentum.
Read: FIFA Women's Football: Bangladesh aiming to wrap up friendly series against Singapore on Monday
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh Women set a target of 150 runs for South Africa's Women. Opener Shamima Sultana provided a solid start with a brisk 24 off 24 balls, laying the foundation for the middle order. Murshida Khatun played a crucial role, remaining unbeaten with a well-crafted 62 off 59 balls, steering her team to a competitive total of 149/2 in their allotted 20 overs.
In response, South Africa Women faced a challenging task chasing down the target. Anneke Bosch stood out with a strong 67 off 49 balls, but Shorna Akter's brilliant spell, which included dismissing Bosch, restricted the South African side. Tazmin Brits contributed 30 runs, but the required run rate proved too steep.
Read: BCB Announces Bangladesh Squad for ACC U-19 Asia Cup 2023
South Africa Women managed to score 136/8 in their 20 overs, falling short by 13 runs. Shorna Akter's clinical bowling display earned her five wickets, dismantling the South African batting order.The two last T20Is of the series will be played at Kimberley on December 6th and 8th.
Independence Cup: Dhaka Abahani reach semis beating Sheikh Jamal in tie breaker
Dhaka Abahani Ltd reached the semifinal of the season's curtain raiser soccer meet, the Independence Cup Football ' 2023 as the 2nd team eliminating Sheikh Jamal DC by 3-2 goals in tie breaker at the floodlight Bashundhara Kings Arena here Sunday evening.
The nail-bitting 2nd quarterfinal match between Dhaka Abahani and Sheikh Jamal DC ended in a goalless position in the stipulated 90- minute and the match was again locked 1-1 goals in the extra session of 30 minutes.
Independence Cup: Rahmatganj MFS advance to semis eliminating Police FC
In the extra session, Brazilian medio Jonathan Fenandes put Abahani ahead in the 94th minute while another Brazilian midfielder Higor restored the parity for Sheikh Jamal in the 107th minute to force the match toward tie breaker.
Abahanis substitute custodian Shamim emerged as the match hero foiling two Sheikh Jamal attempts, out of five, in the tie breaker.
Iranian defender Milad Sheikhi scored the match winning goal for Abahani after Fahim of Sheikh Jamal sent the previous spot Khan kick outside.
Team Manager of Dhaka Abahani got marching after receiving a direct red card.
FIFA Women's Football: Bangladesh aiming to wrap up friendly series against Singapore on Monday
Dhaka Abahani will now play the 2nd semifinal on December 15 at the Bashundhara Kings Arena here against the winners of Bashundhara Kings and Bangladesh Army, who will meet each other in the 4th quarterfinal on Tuesday (Dec 5) at the same venue
Rahmatganj MFS will play the first semifinal, also on December 15 at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj against the winners of
Dhaka Mohammedan and Chittagong Abahani, who will meet each in the 3rd quarterfinal on Tuesday (Dec 5) at Bir Shreshtha Fl Lt Shaheed Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj
After a recess on Monday, Dhaka Mohammedan SC, the champions of Group C, will encounter Group D runners-up Chittagong Abahani Limited in the 3rd quarterfinal on Tuesday (December 5) at 1:45 pm at the Bir Shreshtha Fl Lt Shaheed Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj.
Star-studded Bashundhara Kings, the champions of Group D will play Group C runners- up Bangladesh Army Football team in the 4th and last quarterfinal, also on Tuesday at 4 pm at their home ground -- Bashundhara Kings Arena--in the capital.
Independence Cup Football: Quarterfinals begin Sunday
The two semifinals will be held ten days later after the Bashundhara Kings vital AFC Cup Football match against Indian giant Odisha FC, billed for December 11 at Kalindi Stadum in Bhubaneswar.
The first semifinal will be held on December 15
at 1:45 pm at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj while the 2nd semifinal will also be held on the same day (Dec 15) at 4 pm at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in the city.
The title deciding final match will commence on December 18 at 1:45 pm at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj.
Independence Cup: Rahmatganj MFS advance to semis eliminating Police FC
Two quick goals by Ghana striker Samuel helped Rahmatganj MFS to reach the semifinal of the season's curtain raiser soccer meet, the Independence Cup Football ' 2023 as the first team eliminating Bangladesh Police FC by 2-1:goals in the first quarterfinal at the Bashundhara Kings Arena here on Sunday.
They will play the first semifinal on December 15 at Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj against the winners of Dhaka Mohammedan and Chittagaong Abahani, who will meet each other in the 3rd quarterfinal on Tuesday (Dec 5) at Bir Shreshtha Fl Lt Shaheed Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj.
FIFA Women's Football: Bangladesh aiming to wrap up friendly series against Singapore on Monday
In the day's first quarterfinal, Colombian forward Edis Horacio put the Police FC ahead in the 24th minute from a penalty (1-0).
But, Ghana forward Samuel assured the old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj's victory, scoring two quick goals in a span of only two minutes (29th and 31st minute).
Samuel levelled the margin in the 29th minute by a nice volley from the danger zone (1-1) while he scored the match- winner just two minutes later by a push from close, off a Susanta Tripura's free kick (2-1).
Independence Cup Football: Quarterfinals begin Sunday
Meanwhile, Group B champions Dhaka Abahani Ltd played against Group A runners-up Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the 2nd quarterfinal also at the Bashundhara Kings Arena Sunday evening.
After a recess on Monday, Dhaka Mohammedan SC, the champions of Group C, will encounter Group D runners-up Chittagong Abahani Limited in the 3rd quarterfinal on Tuesday (December 5) at 1:45 pm at the Bir Shreshtha Fl Lt Shaheed Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj.
Star-studded Bashundhara Kings, the champions of Group D will play Group C runners- up Bangladesh Army Football team in the 4th and last quarterfinal, also on Tuesday at 4 pm at their home ground -- Bashundhara Kings Arena--in the capital.
The two semifinals will be held ten days later after the Bashundhara Kings vital AFC Cup Football match against Indian giant Odisha FC, billed for December 11 at Kalindi Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
Women's Football: Bangladesh too hot to handle for Singapore
The first semifinal will be held on December 15 at 1:45 pm at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj while the 2nd semifinal will also be held on the same day (Dec 15) at 4 pm at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in the city.
The title deciding final match will commence on December 18 at 1:45 pm at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj.