Sporting Bengal were crowned UK Asian champions in Glasgow after a thrilling penalty shootout win over Punjab at Celtic Park
Sporting Bengal were crowned UK Asian champions in Glasgow on Sunday after a thrilling penalty shootout win over Punjab at Celtic Park.
Bengal netted all five spot-kicks in the shootout before Sporting keeper Shamim Zaman produced his second penalty save of the match to keep out Punjab's final effort and secure the trophy.
Sporting have failed to win the UK Asian Championships in five previous appearances and Bengal boss Mamun Chowdhury hailed his players for clinching the memorable triumph.
He said: "I am very proud to have had the opportunity to bring the trophy back to East London - the Bangladeshi football community have waited for over five years for us to win this.
"It is a remarkable achievement by a very young squad and we aim to build on this success in the Kent League this season."
Sporting qualified from their group with a 100 per cent record in Glasgow after recovering from a second-half deficit to beat hosts Semsa 5-2 in their opening clash and seeing off tournament favourites GSA in a 2-0 win.
Goals from Shahed Ahmed and Foisal Haque sealed a crucial 2-0 victory over rivals London Apsa and booked their place in the final against Punjab.
Final opponents Punjab were given an early chance to take the lead from the penalty spot, but Zaman produced a stunning save before Shah Mashud gave Bengal the lead.
Punjab levelled after another penalty and with no further goals, the match went to penalties where Zaman's heroics sealed Bengal's win.
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