Saif’s Hat-trick Sends Gon University to Final

Gon University secured a commanding place in the final of the Ispahani–Prothom Alo Third Inter-University Football Tournament, delivering a scintillating performance in the semi-finals at the Dhaka National Stadium. Powered by a sensational hat-trick from Saif Samshud and a brace from prolific forward Rafael Tudu, Gon University crushed Chittagong Independent University by a resounding 6–0 margin.

The final, scheduled for 15 December at 2:30 pm, will see Gon University face American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB), setting up a highly anticipated clash between two of the tournament’s strongest sides.

Earlier in the day, the first semi-final produced a thrilling contest. AIUB, runners-up in the previous edition, edged past Far East International University, runners-up of the inaugural tournament, in a tense 6–5 penalty shootout. The match had ended 2–2 after regulation time, with AIUB showing remarkable resilience by coming back twice from losing positions.

In contrast, the second semi-final was a one-sided affair. Although Chittagong Independent University—playing in their first-ever semi-final—started brightly and tested Gon University’s defence early on, their resistance gradually crumbled under sustained pressure.

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute, when Saif Samshud opened the scoring with a composed finish. Hira Ghosh doubled the lead six minutes later, before Saif struck again just before half-time to make it 3–0. The second half belonged entirely to Gon University. Rafael Tudu dazzled the crowd in the 52nd minute, weaving past multiple defenders to score a brilliant solo goal. Saif completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute, and Tudu sealed the rout with his second goal in the dying moments.

Tudu, who had already scored hat-tricks in the previous two matches, now tops the tournament’s scoring chart with eight goals in four matches, underlining his devastating form.

Gon University’s strength lay not only in attacking brilliance but also in experience and balance. Their squad featured established domestic-league players such as Rahul Hossain (PWD goalkeeper), Sifat Shahriar (Rahmatganj), Sabbir Hossain (Fakirerpool Youngmen’s Club), and Rifat Hasan (former PWD Championship League player).

Saif Samshud was deservedly named Man of the Match, with the award presented in the presence of distinguished guests including former national team captain Ashrafuluddin Ahmed Chunnu, Gon University registrar Engineer Wahiduzzaman, Ispahani Tea’s marketing chief Omar Hannan, and Prothom Alo’s sports editor Utpal Shuvro.