Al-Shabaz Nawabshah reach Benazir Cup semis

Al-Shabaz FC (Nawabshah) reached the semi-finals of the 2011 All-Sindh Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Football Tournament after beating Al-Abbas FC (Rohri) on penalties at Govt Degree College Ground in Dadu yesterday on 20 June 2011. The game had finished 2-2 at the end of normal time, after which Al-Shabaz won the penalty shoot-out 3-1 thanks to the heroics of substitute goalkeeper Murtaza Baloch, who saved 3 Al-Abbas penalties.

Al-Shabaz Nawabshah's striker Naseer Ahmed in action vs Al-Abbas

Al-Shabaz raced to a 2-0 lead after 16 minutes with Naseer Ahmed scoring a 12th minute penalty and then doubling the score 4 minutes later with a 20 yard shot past Al-Abbas keeper Ashfaq. However, Al-Abbas struck back in 18th minute throught captain Muhammad Shabbir to make it 2-1. In 2nd half, Al-Abbas completed their fight back in 38th minute when Mujahid’s powerful shot was poorly saved by Al-Shabaz goalie Rizwan as the ball still found its way over the line to equalise. Both sides failed to score further at the final whistle, forcing the penalty shoot-out.

Al-Shabaz’s substitute goalkeeper Murtaza Baloch proved his effectiveness in the shoot-out as he saved three spot kicks from Al-Abbas’ M. Shabbir, Ashfaq, and Waqar Ahmed, with only Ghulam Sarwar managing to score from the spot for Al-Abbas. Al-Shabaz’s Imran, Rashid, and Ayub scored from the spot and won the shoot-out despite misses from Naseer Ahmed and Sharif as they went through to the semi-finals of the Benazir Cup.

Referees were Niaz Baloch, Saeed Baloch and Shoukat Gotai (Karachi), while Eid Mohammad Jamali (Khairpur) was Match Commissioner. The match was witnessed by chief guest Khalid Hussain Ghullo (District Sports Officer, Dadu) who applauded the performance of both teams.

In firs semi-final, Al-Shabaz now face the winner of the Jeay Lal FC (Usta Mohammad) vs Young Kalakot FC (Lyari, Karachi) quarter-final on Wednesday 22 June 2011, while the final quarter final on same date will see hosts Makhdoom Bilawal Shaheed FC (Dadu) take on Young Men FC (Naushahro Feroze).

 

ALL SINDH BENAZIR SHAHEED FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT – DADU
Venue: Government Degree College Ground – District Dadu

Al-Shabaz FC (Nawabshah) defeated Al-Abbas FC (Rohri) 3-1 on Penalty Shoot Out. Match remained locked 2-2 at full time.

Al-Shahbaz (2): Naseer Ahmed (2) 12 pk, 16   (Penalty Kicks (3) Imran, Rashid & Ayyub)
Al-Abbas  (2) : M. Shabbir 18, Mujahid 38   (Penalty Kicks (1) Ghulam Sarwar)

Sub goalkeeper of Al-Shabaz Murtaza Baloch saved 3 penalty kicks in shoot-out

Referees: Niaz Baloch, Saeed Baloch and Shoukat Gotai (Karachi), while Eid Mohammad Jamali (Khairpur) was Match Commissioner.

Fixture (Wednesday) 22.6.2011 –

Makhdoom Bilawal Shaheed vs Naushahro Feroze (QF)
Al-Shabaz Nawabshah vs Young Kalakot Lyari/G.A. Lal Usta Mohd (SF)

RIAZ AHMED – 0300-3926092