The Bashundhara Kings practice facilities played host to an extraordinary exhibition of footballing spirit on Sunday, as Central Store narrowly overcame EWPD E&T in a high-octane friendly. The match, which will be remembered for its relentless pace and end-to-end action, eventually saw Central Store emerge victorious following a clinical display in a high-stakes penalty shootout.
A High-Scoring Stalemate
From the opening whistle, both teams adopted an aggressive attacking posture, seemingly indifferent to defensive caution. The result was a captivating contest that see-sawed throughout the ninety minutes. EWPD E&T and Central Store traded goals with remarkable frequency, neither side allowing the other to establish a comfortable lead.
The sheer quality of the strikes and the tenacity of the midfield duels ensured the match remained a balanced affair. By the final whistle of regulation time, the teams were deadlocked at 4–4, a scoreline that reflected the absolute parity of the contest and the clinical nature of both forward lines.
Nerve and Precision from Twelve Yards
With the scores level, the match transitioned into the psychological battle of a penalty shootout. It was at this juncture that Central Store’s composure truly shone. While the pressure of the spot-kicks appeared to weigh heavily on the EWPD E&T marksmen, Central Store executed their duties with unerring precision.
By converting four of their attempts while their opponents managed only two, Central Store secured a 4–2 victory on penalties, ensuring they claimed the “bragging rights” in this competitive friendly.
Match Data & Tactical Summary
| Match Metric | Statistical Outcome |
| Regulation Score | 4–4 (Draw) |
| Penalty Shootout | 4–2 (Central Store Victory) |
| Venue | Bashundhara Kings Practice Ground |
| Total Goals Scored | 8 (Excluding Penalties) |
| Tactical Approach | High-Press, Attacking-Focus |
| Weather/Conditions | Optimal; Elite Turf |
Sporting Context and Venue Excellence
The quality of the match was significantly enhanced by the venue. The pristine training pitches of the Bashundhara Kings allowed for a fluid, technical style of play, facilitating the high-scoring nature of the game. Despite the “friendly” label, the intensity shown by both EWPD E&T and Central Store mirrored that of a top-flight league fixture.
For Central Store, the win is a testament to their squad’s mental fortitude, particularly their ability to maintain focus after conceding four goals in open play. Conversely, EWPD E&T will take confidence from their offensive efficiency, despite the heartbreak of the shootout loss.