The Baloch Mujahid Stadium in Ibrahim Hyderi, Karachi witnessed some stunning results as the 8th Karachi Football League 2010-11 began its quarter-finals stage on Sunday, 13 March 2011. Mauripur Baloch knocked out defending champions Chanesar Blue 2-1 in 1st Quarter-Final while venue hosts Baloch Mujahid edged past former winners Shazad Mohammadan (Malir) 5-3 on penalties after 3-3 extra-time scoreline in 2nd Quarter-Final.
In the first game, Adnan Sakhi gave Mauripur Baloch a 1-0 lead after 34 minutes, which was doubled in 69th minute by the impressive captain Sameer Jahangir. Chanesar Blue managed to pull one back late with an 89th minute penalty by Mehmood Laasi but time ran out before they could find the equaliser to take the game to extra time. The defending champions of 2010 were hence knocked out 2-1 at full time as Mauripur Baloch entered the semi-finals, with captain Sameer Jahangir earning man of the match from KFL organising secretary Riaz Ahmed. The game was witnessed by former international and current chairman Zone West FA, Zafar Iqbal.
In the action-packed second game, Baloch Mujahid and Shazad Mohammadan thrilled the crowd with a goal fest that was ultimately decided by the penalty shoot-out. Shazad Mohammadan took the lead in 39th minute when Muhammad Baloch’s 25-yard strike went past Baloch Mujahid goalie Shahzad Ali as the Malir side led 1-0 at half time. The game exploded in the second half when Baloch Mujahid earned a penalty in 55th minute, but captain Muhammad Hanif missed from the spot. However, Hanif redeemed himself when he equalised 64th minute and then gave Baloch Mujahid the 2-1 lead 6 minutes later with his second of the game. However, Shazad Mohammadan striker Muhammad Younas equalised in 76th minute as the score stayed 2-2 at end of normal time.
In extra time, Muhammad Hanif completed his – and the event’s 14th – hat-trick when he gave Baloch Mujahid a 3-2 lead in 108th minute which surely looked enough to send the venue hosts through. But in 119th minute, Muhammad Younas again equalised to make it 3-3 and send the game to penalties. Baloch Mujahid scored from all their attempts in shoot-out but Pir Muhammad’s miss for Shazad Mohammadan cost his side dearly as Baloch Mujahid went through the semi-finals 5-3 in the shoot-out. Baloch Mujahid skipper Muhammad Hanif deservingly earned man of the match award from Riaz Ahmed.
Referees were Adnan Khan, Muhammad Umar Baloch, Ibrar Hussain, Babar Khan, Muhammad Kamran, and Farrukh Riaz, while match commissioner was Saleem Arif.
Mauripur Baloch will face Baloch Mujahid in the first semi-final on Saturday, 20 March 2011. The 3rd quarter final between Young Ansari and Al-Shabaz Korangi on Tuesday 14 March 2011 with 4 PM kick-off.
8TH KARACHI FOOTBALL LEAGUE – 2011
Venue: Baloch Mujahid Stadium – Ibrahim Hydri
QUARTER FINAL NO.1
Mauripur Baloch defeated defending champion Chanesar Blue 2-1 (1-0)
[Adnan Sakhi 34, Samad Jahangir 69 – Mahmood Lasi 89 (pk)]
Man of the Match Samad Jahangir (C) of Mauripur Baloch)
QUARTER FINAL NO.2
Baloch Mujahid beat Shazad Mohammedan 5-3 on penalty shoot out (2-2) a.e.t. 3-3
[Mohammaed Hanif (3) 64,70,108 – Mohammad Baloch 39, Mohammad Younus (2) 76, 119]
Man of the Match Mohammad Hanif (C) of Baloch Mujahid
Both the winners will play semi final on 20th March
Fixture: 15.3.2011 (Tuesday)
Al-Shabaz Korangi vs Young Ansari at 4:00 pm
RIAZ AHMED – 0300-3926092