It was a moment of jubilation and unbridled joy for BRAC University's players and supporters as the referee blew the final whistle at the NSU Inter University Sports Carnival 2023. They erupted in celebration as the BRAC University football team secured victory in the grand finale by defeating the Independent University of Bangladesh (IUB) with a narrow scoreline of 1-0.
The final match of the tournament was marked by intense determination and a singular goal: to claim the coveted championship trophy. The early stages of the match saw both teams cautiously probing their opponents' defenses, resulting in a goalless first half.
However, as the clock ticked, both BRAC University and IUB escalated their efforts to secure a decisive goal. It was in the 53rd minute when BRACU defender Miraz played a pivotal role by delivering a precise pass from their own yard to midfielder, Eliya Christopher Nandi. Nandi, with remarkable skill and determination, navigated past two IUB defenders before unleashing a powerful strike from outside the penalty box that found the back of IUB's net.
With the lead in hand, BRAC University maintained their advantage throughout the remainder of the match, denying IUB any opportunity to equalize. The final whistle marked not just the end of the game but the beginning of BRACU's triumphant celebration.
The journey to this remarkable victory was no less spectacular. BRAC University's path to championship glory included impressive victories in the earlier rounds. They began their campaign by qualifying for the quarter-finals, defeating both the International University of Scholars and Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT). In the quarter-finals, they overcame a formidable challenge from Dhaka International University, emerging victorious with a commanding score of 3-1.
The semi-finals saw BRACU pitted against the host university, North South University, in a thrilling contest that ended in a 1-0 victory for BRAC University. This win earned them the coveted spot in the championship match, where they displayed their mettle, determination, and sheer skill to claim the title.