The Thundering Titans faced off against Taltola XI in a gripping encounter at the Chandgaon Turf on 17 July 2025, with both teams finishing the match with a scoreline of 5-5. The match, part of a 7-a-side format, kicked off at 10:00 PM and delivered a rollercoaster of emotions for players and spectators alike.
The Titans lined up in a 3-1-2 formation, with Kazi Refat stationed in goal. The defensive trio comprised Wahidul Asif on the right, Ashadul Tarek in the centre, and Asif Junior on the left. Sadman Sakib operated as the central midfielder, while Nishan Ibkar and Rakibul Hasan took their positions as right and left forwards, respectively. This setup allowed for a solid defensive foundation while enabling quick transitions to attack, with the forwards expected to exploit any gaps in the opposition's defence.
The substitutes for the match included Humayun Kabir, who would later be called upon to make an impact.
The match began with an electric start, as Nishan Ibkar opened the scoring for the Thundering Titans just five minutes in. A well-placed cross from Rakibul Hasan found Ibkar, who tapped in from close range, sending the Titans into an early lead. However, Taltola XI responded swiftly, equalising in the 15th minute, showcasing their resilience.
The Titans regained their advantage in the 12th minute when Asif Junior volleyed home a precise short pass from Sadman Sakib, demonstrating their attacking prowess. Sakib himself then added to the tally with a stunning solo goal in the 29th minute, putting the Titans 3-1 ahead as the first half drew to a close.
As the teams returned for the second half, Taltola XI came out with renewed vigour, scoring immediately in the 31st minute to narrow the gap. The Titans made a tactical substitution shortly after, bringing on Humayun Kabir for Kazi Refat in the 33rd minute, aiming to bolster their defensive line.
However, Taltola XI continued to press, scoring again in the 35th minute to level the match at 3-3. The Titans responded with a substitution of their own, reintroducing Kazi Refat in the 38th minute, replacing Asif Junior, who had made a significant impact.
The back-and-forth nature of the match continued as Asif Junior found the net again in the 42nd minute with another volley, putting the Titans back in front. Yet, Taltola XI were relentless, equalising once more just a minute later, demonstrating their determination to fight for every point.
As the match approached its final stages, Taltola XI took the lead for the first time in the 52nd minute, making it 5-4. The Titans, however, were not to be outdone. In a thrilling response, Rakibul Hasan scored a volley from close range in the 55th minute, bringing the score to 5-5 and ensuring that both teams would share the spoils.
The match concluded with a dramatic finish, leaving both sides with plenty to reflect on. Sadman Sakib's standout performance earned him the accolade of Player of the Match, highlighting his crucial contributions throughout the encounter. The Thundering Titans and Taltola XI will undoubtedly take valuable lessons from this exhilarating clash as they look ahead to their future fixtures.
