The 2012 All-Karachi Engro Vopak Football League at Jam Stadium, Malir (Karachi) saw a tense 1-1 draw between Askani Brothers (Baldia Town) and home side Jam XI (Malir) yesterday 7 Feb 2012. The Group B encounter left both sides sharing 1 point each.
The match began at a frantic pace as both sides attempted to score early. Jam XI forwards Arif Hameed, Razzaq Baba, Asif Qasim, and Liaquat Ali failed to avail many good chances as Askani Brothers’ goalkeeper Javed Ali superbly denied them each time. Askani Brothers responded when in 32nd minute Noor Hussain combined well with Asghar Ali to come close to scoring, only for Jam XI goalie Arshad Hussain to keep his effort out.
However, Askani Brothers took the lead when captain and striker Bahadur Ali scored from a Noor Hussain pass in 41st minute, making it 1-0 before half time. Askani could have made it 2-0 in 2nd half, but Noor Hussain’s lob went past the wrong side of the post with Jam XI keeper Arshad Hussain way off his line. Jam XI eventually got a last-gasp equaliser when Aamir Ali scored from a Arif Hameed cross a minute before the end to deny Askani Brothers the win.
Referees were Javed Bangash, M Umar, M Ishaq, and match commissioner Abdul Karim. DFA Malir vice president Ustad Haider Baloch gave Askani Brothers captain Bahadur Ali the Rs 500 ‘Man of the Match’ cash reward for his performance in the match.