The third day of the Padma Zone matches in the Under-17 National Championship 2025 unfolded at the Shaheed Samsuddin Stadium, Sirajganj, with contrasting fortunes as a hard-fought draw was followed by a slender home win on Tuesday.
The opening fixture between Joypurhat and Chapainawabganj ended goalless, a scoreline that scarcely reflected Joypurhat's territorial dominance. For long spells, Joypurhat held sway, dictating the tempo and probing with intent, yet the final touch deserted them when it mattered most.
Skipper Saurav Ali Mondal was the metronome in midfield, pulling the strings with maturity beyond his years.
Joypurhat repeatedly sought width, using Lincoln Chandra Singh on the right and Sajal Mahata on the left to stretch the opposition defence.
Chances arrived, particularly for forward Apurbo Chandra Sarkar but profligacy in front of goal ensured the deadlock remained unbroken.
Chapainawabganj, though often on the back foot, were not without moments of enterprise. Combinations involving Md Mehedi Hasan, Siam Ali, Harun-or-Rashid, and Shaheen carved out a handful of openings, yet their finishing too lacked the cutting edge required to tilt the balance.
Despite the stalemate, Saurav Ali Mondal's commanding display earned him the Man of the Match award, adding to his growing influence after also claiming the accolade in Joypurhat's previous 3-0 win.
The day's second match saw hosts Sirajganj edge past Naogaon by a solitary goal in a closely contested affair.
The decisive moment arrived in the 50th minute when Sabbir Hossain found the net, a strike that ultimately proved the difference between the sides. Sabbir's composed performance was duly recognised with the Man of the Match honour.
As the Padma Zone campaign gathers momentum, fine margins, missed chances and moments of composure continue to shape the point table.
