Aminul and Alfaz bring back SAFF memories at National Stadium in exhibition match of two generations

Two histories were reunited on one field at the National Stadium on Sunday evening. Some carried memories of winning the 2003 SAFF Championship title, others the gold medal of the 2010 SA Games.

The SAFF Championship begins on November 5. After a long eight years, the South Asian football competition is returning to Bangladesh. Before the tournament at home, the exhibition match organised by the National Sports Council became an occasion to bring back memories of old success and to encourage the national team.

Zahid scored in the second minute of the match, which started at 5 pm. The 2010 SA Games-winning team went ahead. Later, Alfaz Ahmed brought the 2003 SAFF-winning team back to level terms with a goal from a penalty. After that, the ball found the SAFF-winning team's net once more.

In 2003, at this same National Stadium, Rajanikanta, Alfaz and Aminul lifted the SAFF final trophy. On the other hand, in 2010, Jahed Parvez, Yusuf, Mintu, Enamul and Emily celebrated winning gold at the SA Games.

The game ended around 6:30 pm. About a hundred spectators present in the gallery became busy taking photos with their favourite footballers. After the game, the former champions responded to supporters' requests with smiles.

After spending time with supporters, former footballers of both teams faced the media. Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque, who played for the 2003 SAFF-winning team, said, 'The SAFF Championship starts on November 5. To wish the Bangladesh team well and encourage them, the two champion teams of 2003 and 2010 played this exhibition match today.'

The National Sports Council took the initiative to bring the former champions onto one stage to inspire the national team and remind people of the old glory of the country's football. After a long 23 years, Bangladesh is again dreaming of winning the SAFF title, and with the tournament at home, supporters' expectations are also high.

Mamunul Islam, a member of the 2010 SA Games gold-winning team, said, 'I played with my idol, that is a big achievement for me. This type of match turns into a reunion. Everyone comes, we talk and share experiences with everyone — all in all I think it is a positive aspect for SAFF football.'

Nobody was much concerned about who won or lost the match. The presence of former stars of both teams and their reminiscing enlivened the whole event, which beyond the goal contest became a nostalgic gathering of memories and the golden days of Bangladesh football.