Rajshahi University (RBU) has once again secured its ticket to the final stage of the Ispahani-First Light Inter-University Football Tournament. In the regional final held at the Rajshahi Liberation War Memorial Stadium, RBU thrashed Barendra University 6-0, sparking celebrations among players and officials. The star of the match was striker Jamal Uddin, who scored a hat-trick and was named player of the match, sending his team confidently towards the quarter-finals in Dhaka.
Jamal said, “Last time we were knocked out in the semi-finals. This year, our goal is to bring the cup to Rajshahi first and then Dhaka. This hat-trick has boosted my confidence for the next stages.”
Earlier in the day, RBU defeated Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology 2-0 in the second match. The team’s co-captain and forward, Suman Hasan Shobuj, was awarded the man of the match. Barendra University had qualified for the regional final by defeating Ahsania Mission Science & Technology University 4-0, with midfielder and team captain S M Tushar Ahmed Raj named best player.
The opening ceremony was graced by former national team captain Zahid Hasan Emily, former goalkeeper Saidul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of Barendra University Prof. Md Khademul Islam Molya, and other dignitaries. Jamal Uddin’s hat-trick and RBU’s qualification to the finals made the regional final a festive and memorable occasion.
The Dhaka stage quarter-finals will feature RBU against Chittagong Independent University and Premier University. Names of the remaining five teams will be confirmed after the Khulna and Dhaka rounds.
Match Highlights Table
| Team | Opponent | Score | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajshahi University | Barendra University | 6-0 | Jamal Uddin (Hat-Trick) |
| Rajshahi University | Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology | 2-0 | Suman Hasan Shobuj |
| Barendra University | Ahsania Mission Science & Technology University | 4-0 | S M Tushar Ahmed Raj |