United News of Bangladesh

Six-time champions Dhaka Abahani Limited finished runners up in the 10-team Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football beating Brothers Union Club by 3-0 goal at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla on Tuesday. Local defender Asaduzzaman Bablu scored the first goal for the sky- blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani in the 24th minute (1-0),  Brazilian midfielder Raphael Augusto doubled the margin in the 51st minute (2-0) while local forward Mirajul Islam sealed the fate of the match scoring the 3rd goal for Abahani in the 86th minute (3-0). In the day’s other match, coming from behind, last time champions Bashundhara Kings became 3rd in the league beating Dhaka Wanderers Club by 5-3 goal at their home ground of Bashundhara Kings Arena on Tuesday afternoon. Striker Shekh Morsalin made a hattrick for the Kings scoring three goal in the 42nd, 45+4th and 66th minutes while forward Rakib Hossain and Mohammad Hossen Rahul scored one each for the Kings. Midfielder Mohammad Sadik Ahmed, Shahinul Islam Sumon and Manjurul  Karim scored one each for the relegated side Dhaka Wanderers Club in the 8th, 49th and 90+4 minutes respectively. In the day's other match, ride on a hattrick hy Malian booter Souleymane Diabate, Dhaka Mohammedan SC, which clinched the first-ever BPL crown with three matches spare earlier, outplayed Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool by 6-1 goals at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur Tuesday afternoon. Kool-BSJA Media Cup Football tournament begins Souleymane Diabate made a hattrick scoring five goals in the 5th, 23rd, 39th ,71st and 90th minutes while Sourav Dewan netted the other goal for the traditional black and whites Mohammedan in the 81st minute  R Tudu scored the consolation goal for the Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool in the 86th minute.. In the day's remaining match, coming from behind, Rahmatganj MFS finished 4th in the league outplaying  Bangladesh Police FC by 4-1 goals at the Fl.Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj on Tuesday featuring a hattrick by Ghana booter Samuel Boateng. Ghana forward Samuel Boateng made a hattrick scoring three goals  while Gambian booter Solomon King Kanform netted the other goal for the old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj while D Quipapa netted lone goal  for the Police FC. After day's 18th and last round matches, Dhaka Mohammedan emerged champions with 42 points, Dhaka Abahani Ltd finished runners up with 35 points, Basundhara Kings was placed 3rd with 32 points,  Rahmatganj MFS finished 4th with 30 points while Brothers Union Club became 5th with 27 points.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps surprisingly retired from international soccer on Tuesday, just five weeks before the Women's European Championship. Earps was in goal when the Lionesses won Euro 2022 and reached the Women's World Cup final in 2023. She was facing increased competition for her place from Chelsea's Hannah Hampton but was due to join England this week for Nations League group games against Portugal and Spain, reports AP. "I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally,” Earps said in a statement on X. "It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players. "I've spent a long time making this decision and it's not one I've made lightly. For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive. “Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life and I'm rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.” Ronaldo hints at exit, says his 'Chapter Is Over' with Al-Nassr The 32-year-old Earps debuted for England in 2017 and earned 53 caps. Individual accolades included two FIFA Best awards and a World Cup golden glove. “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed,” England manager Sarina Wiegman said. "Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept. “Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football. We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer, but for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.”

The 40-year-old Portugal striker posted a message on social media hours after the final round of the Saudi Pro League late Monday sparking speculation over the future of one of the most high-profile figures in sports. “This chapter is over,” Ronaldo told his 115 million followers on X, above a picture of him in an Al-Nassr jersey. “The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.” The five-time world player of the year joined Al-Nassr in late 2022 and his contract will expire at the end of June. Casemiro returns in Ancelotti's first Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers On Saturday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Ronaldo could play at the new-look, expanded Club World Cup starting on June 14 because of a unique transfer window created for the tournament. “There are discussions with some clubs," Infantino told online streamer IShowSpeed, whose YouTube channel has more than 39 million subscribers. "So if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup, who knows. Still a few weeks time, will be fun.” Al-Nassr, which finished in third place in the Saudi league this season, did not qualify for the Club World Cup — where Lionel Messi, Ronaldo's great rival, will be playing with Inter Miami. Ronaldo did not react on Saturday to Infantino’s speculation on his social media channels.

New Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti brought back midfielder Casemiro on Monday for World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay next week. The 33-year-old Casemiro was the Brazil captain at the 2022 World Cup but has been absent from the national team for about a year. Striker Neymar, who is still struggling to return from injury, was not picked. Ancelotti arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday night after leaving Real Madrid, and the Italian is the first foreigner to coach the five-time World Cup champion full-time in a century. Brazil: Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians) Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Ortiz, Wesley (all Flamengo), Alexsandro (Lille), Lucas Beraldo (Paris Saint-Germain), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Vanderson (Monaco).  Salah finishes Premier League season as top scorer and with another record Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Ederson (Atalanta), (Gerson) Forwards: Antony (Real Betis), Estêvão (Palmeiras), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid). 

The Kool-BSJA Media Cup Football Tournament’2025, an yearly football meet for the journalists, organised by Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA), began here on Monday at the Paltan Maidan with seven matches deciding on the opening day. President of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Tabith M Awal inaugurated the meet this morning as the chief guest.  Women footballers in Amman for two FIFA friendlies Secretary of the National Sports Council (NSC) M Aminul Islam, Brand Manager of the meet’s sponsor “Kool” Adib Bin Shahid, BSJA president Arifur Rahman Babu, general secretary SM Sumon, tournament committee convener Raihan Al Mugni and BSJA joint secretary Arafat Zubair were also present on the occasion. Seven matches were finalized on the opening day Monday. SATV beat Boishakhi TV, Dainik Jugantor defeated Dainik Manobzamin, Channel i beat Ittefaq, Dhaka Tribune defeated ATN News, ATN Bangla beat Rising BD by 2-0 goals each. News24 defeated Dainik Kalbela by 1-0 goal, Prothom Alo overcame Maasranga TV by 3-2 goals in the tie breaker as the match was locked in goalless in the stipulated period. Desh.TV got walkover against Ekattor TV in the day’s other match. Eight more matches will be held on the 2nd day (Tuesday) from 8:30 am to 12 noon.  Salah finishes Premier League season as top scorer and with another record Thirty two teams from different media houses, split into eight groups, are taking part in the Knock out basis tournament.

Bangladesh national women's football team left Dhaka for Amman on Monday to play two International friendlies against higher ranked Indonesia and hosts Jordan during FIFA women’s international window. A 23-member Bangladesh national women’s team left Hazral Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka Monday morning and scheduled to reach the Jordan capital Amman on the same day via Bahrain to play touring Indonesia on May 30 and hosts Jordan on June 3 in a three-nation tournament in Jordan.  Earlier, the Head Coach of Bangladesh Women's Football team Peter Butler announced a 23-member final squad of Bangladesh Women’s team dropping five senior national booters, who boycotted the national training camp alongwith 18 rebel booters from January 30, raising several allegations against him.  Salah finishes Premier League season as top scorer and with another record The five players, now playing in the Bhutan National Women’s League and signed six-month contracts with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).as national pool players are: recent captain Sabina Khatun, Sanjida Akhter, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Masura Parvin, and Matsushima Sumaiya. Five other Bangladeshi rebel players out of 10, who also registered to play in the Bhutan women’s league, returned home and accompanied the Jordan bound-Bangladesh team on Monday, are  Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Ritu Porna Chakma, Rupna Chakma and Shamsunnahar Sr.  Members of Jordan bound Bangladesh Women's team are: Rupna Chakma, Sheuly Azim, Shamsunnahar Sr, Shamsinnahar Jr, Monika Chakma, Ritu Porna Chakma,  Maria Manda, Tohura Khatun, Afeida Khandakar, (Captain) Sagorika, Shaheda Akhter Ripa, Munki Akter, Swapna Rani, Khohati Kishku, Sourovi Akhand Preeti, Sultana, Megla Rani Roy, Joynob Bibi Rita, Halima Akhter, Nabiran Khatun, Ferdoushi Akter Sonali, Umhela Marma and Shanti Mardi.  

Mohamed Salah finished the Premier League season with a fourth Golden Boot award and yet another record after his latest prolific campaign with Liverpool. The Egypt forward grabbed a late equalizer for Liverpool in the champion's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday to move onto 29 goals — six more than Newcastle's Alexander Isak in the competition's scoring list. Salah was the league's outright top scorer in the 2017-18 season with 32 goals and shared the Golden Boot in the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons. Barcola brace helps PSG to another French Cup heading to Champions League final By adding 18 assists, Salah also tied the Premier League record for most goal involvements — 47 — in a campaign with Andy Cole (1993-94) and Alan Shearer (1994-95). Those were both achieved in a 42-game season, however, whereas each team in the Premier League now plays 38 games.

Bangladesh national women's football team will leave for Jordan Monday morning without five senior footballers to play two international friendlies against their higher ranked hosts Jordan and touring Indonesia. Head Coach of Bangladesh Women's Football team Peter Butler announced a 23 member final squad of the Bangladesh women's football  team at a press conference here on Sunday. He announced the national team without five senior rebel players of the SAFF Women's champions Bangladesh team, to play  two International friendlies  against Indonesia on May 31 and hosts Jordan on June 3, both in Jordan. Earlier on January 30, 18 rebel national women’s footballers led by captain Sabina Khatun boycotted the national training camp under the head coach Peter Butler, raising several allegations against him. In the day's team, Peter Butler cut five senior rebel  booters out of 10 including good performers Sabina Khatun and  Masura Parvin , registered to play in the  Bhutan National Women’s Football League, although all the 18 rebel national players including the ten players of Bhutan league, signed six-month contracts with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). They are : recent captain Sabina Khatun, Sanjida Akhter, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Masura Parvin, and Matsushima Sumaiya. The remaining five national players, who returned from Bhutan after playing just one match included in the day' s national squad are : Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Ritu Porna Chakma, Rupna Chakma, and Shamsunnahar Sr .  Members of Jordan bound Bangladesh women's team are: Rupna Chakma, Sheuly Azim, Shamsunnahar Sr, Shamsinnahar Jr, Monika Chakma, Ritu Porna Chakma,  Maria Manda, Tohura Khatun, Afeida Khandakar, (Captain) Sagorika, Shaheda Akhter Ripa, Munki Akter, Swapna Rani, Khohati Kishku, Sourovi Akhand Preeti, Sultana, Megla Rani Roy, Joynob Bibi Rita, Halima Akhter, Nabiran Khatun, Ferdoushi Akter Sonali, Umhela Marma and Shanti Mardi.

Red-and-white streamers exploded into the air as Arsenal lifted its second Women's Champions League trophy after stunning defending champion Barcelona 1-0 in the final on Saturday. Tough defense and a goal by Stina Blackstenius in the 75th minute from a pass by fellow second-half substitute Beth Mead powered Arsenal to glory at Estádio José Alvalade. Arsenal’s title came 18 years after it became the first — and still the only — English club to win the top club title in women’s soccer. Arsenal’s players embraced on the final whistle and ran to celebrate in front of the corner of the stands where their supporters reveled in the shock result. “We had to be basically perfect to beat Barcelona," Arsenal captain Kim Little said. "Our players who came on today had an incredible impact.” Little and Leah Williamson raised the trophy and streamers and glittering confetti shot over the podium. Meanwhile, Arsenal forward Mariona Caldentey, who played for Barcelona until this season, consoled Barcelona star Aitana Bonmatí before she stepped up to collect her fourth Champions League winner’s medal. Barcelona was the heavy favorite. It was aiming for a fourth title in five years and to become the only team other than Lyon to win three consecutive titles. The team led by two-time Ballon d’Or winners Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas won nine straight in the competition and blew out Wolfsburg and English champion Chelsea in the knockout rounds. Barcola brace helps PSG to another French Cup heading to Champions League final But Arsenal locked down in defense — except for early in the second half — and created the best chances. Only two superb saves by Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll to deny Frida Maanum and Blackstenius kept it scoreless until Blackstenius finally beat her. Defense wins championships The victory marks an incredible finish to a rocky season for Arsenal, which included coach Jonas Eidevall resigning and being replaced by assistant Renée Seglers. Since taking over, Seglers steered the team through a spectacular European campaign. Arsenal built its confidence from come-from-behind wins over Real Madrid and eight-time champion Lyon in the knockout rounds before laying low the almighty Barcelona. Seglers delivered a masterful coaching performance in the final, getting her substitutions right and devising a way to stop the highest scoring team in the tournament. “What we did so well was using all possible tools to speed the game up, to disrupt it, but to stay true to who we are. This was key to why we won today," Seglers said. “Barcelona are so good, but we tried to exploit weaknesses where we could. We said beforehand that the midfield of Barcelona was the engine. So we wanted to stop them.” Arsenal defender Katie McCabe said it was all about the work rate the entire side put in. That started up front, where England striker Alessia Russo was a rock for Arsenal, using her size to win balls and keep the attack going. “We respect them but we can’t give them too much respect either,” McCabe told The Associated Press. “We needed to put pressure on them and we know we are a really good pressing team and our frontline and the midfield really worked their socks off today.” Barcelona falls short on biggest stage The loss was a huge disappointment for the more than 15,000 Barcelona fans who filled the stadium that is home to Sporting Lisbon. Blue-and-burgundy shirts and flags outnumbered the red-and-white section, but their calls of “Yes we can!” in the final minutes weren’t enough to inspire a comeback by the Catalan club. The closest Barcelona came to a goal was a shot by Claudia Pina that hit the crossbar just after halftime when the Spanish team had its best period. Otherwise, the game was to Arsenal’s liking. Bonmatí was the only Barcelona player who seemed to be in the flow before halftime. Her dribble moves through the middle created a few threats and kept Arsenal on guard in defense. Leah Willamson blocked her best shot deep in the box in the 12th. Tottenham players left without medals after Europa League final victory “I feel sadness and frustration for our fans," Bonmatí said. "I love this club's colors as much as they do, and they travelled here in their thousands to support us. I'm sorry that we didn't give them what we all wanted. But we'll be back.”

Bradley Barcola scored two goals and set one up as Paris Saint-Germain beat Reims 3-0 in the French Cup final on Saturday and stayed on course for its first continental treble. Barcola was assisted twice by Désiré Doué and created a goal for right back Achraf Hakimi late in the first half. The victory gave PSG a record-extending 16th French Cup — six more than next-best Marseille — and completed a domestic double after a record-extending 13th Ligue 1 title was sealed in dominant fashion. The only trophy missing in the cabinet of the cash-rich Qatari-backed club is the Champions League's. That might change next Saturday. Coach Luis Enrique's PSG will attempt to win the Champions League for the first time when it faces Inter Milan in Munich. PSG lost its only other final to Bayern Munich during the pandemic-shortened 2020 competition. FIFA president hints Ronaldo could join Club World Cup Reims was once France’s top club and reached the Champions League final twice — when it was the European Cup — losing both times to Real Madrid in the 1950s. But Saturday's contest was a total mismatch with the first half almost resembling a training session for PSG. Doué sent Barcola clean through in the 16th minute with a superb angled pass from midfield and the France winger finished neatly into the bottom left corner. Three minutes later, Doué found space on the right and his quick pass gave Barcola an easy finish from close range. Doué was named in the starting team only shortly before the start after winger Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia reportedly pulled out with headaches. With halftime approaching, Barcola whipped over a left-wing cross and Hakimi volleyed in neatly from close range. PSG dropped off in the second half and and created little except for Ousmane Dembélé's effort hitting the crossbar. Real Madrid makes Ancelotti's departure official, calling the coach a 'true legend' Luis Enrique is within sight of his second continental treble in 10 years after achieving the first with Lionel Messi-led Barcelona. PSG is clearly in form but Inter may be the more match-fit side having contested a tough Serie A title race all the way to Friday night, when Napoli sealed it.