The Under-17 National Championship 2025 continued to deliver edge-of-the-seat drama on its fourth day at the Shahid Samsuddin Stadium in the Padma Zone on Wednesday.
In the morning fixture, Pabna Under-17 District Football Team edged out Rajshahi Under-17 District Football Team in a nail-biting 2-1 victory, showcasing the kind of resilience that separates contenders from also-rans in youth football. Pabna broke the deadlock early in the 13th minute when Md. Rohid Hossain latched onto a clever assist from Ismail and slotted home with aplomb, setting the tone for a pulsating encounter.
As the game wore on, Pabna's captain Md. Ashikur doubled the lead in the 74th minute with a thunderous angled strike from the prime scoring zone, courtesy of a pinpoint cross from Abdullah on the right flank.
Rajshahi, refusing to throw in the towel, pulled one back in the 79th minute through Taslim Alam Rudro's coolly converted penalty. The spot-kick was awarded after Pabna's Md. Robin Hossain committed a clumsy foul on Rajshahi's Md. Ashraful Islam Sagar, who had weaved his way into the box with a solo run reminiscent of a young Maradona. The referee brandished a yellow card to the offender, adding to the tension. Despite a late rally, Rajshahi couldn't find the equaliser, and Pabna held firm to claim the spoils. Md. Ashikur's all-action display, blending leadership with lethal finishing, earned him the Man of the Match accolade - a fitting tribute to his role in steering his side to victory.
The afternoon clash proved no less enthralling, as Natore Under-17 District Football Team overcame Bogura Under-17 District Football Team by the same 2-1 scoreline, thanks to a dramatic late twist that had fans roaring in approval. Natore struck first just before the interval in the 44th minute, with Akash Ali finishing off a well-orchestrated move assisted by their captain Md. Babul Islam from the central midfield engine room. The goal injected momentum into Natore's play, turning the tide in what had been a evenly matched affair.
As the clock ticked down, Natore sealed the win in stoppage time at the 90+4 minute mark, when Akash Ali confidently dispatched a penalty to complete his brace. The award came after Bogura's Iftekhar hauled down Natore's forward Anis Ali in the box following a penetrating pass from Md. Anik. The foul drew a yellow card and shifted the game's destiny. Akash Ali's heroics, netting twice and proving the difference-maker in a hard-fought battle, saw him rightfully crowned Man of the Match, embodying the spirit of never-say-die football that defines these youth tournaments.
These results keep the Padma Zone wide open, with teams battling tooth and nail for supremacy.
