The 2012 All-Karachi Engro Vopak Football League saw the results of two important group games yesterday at Jam Stadium Malir (Karachi) yesterday, 4 March 2012.
In Group B, the Jam Stadium derby saw Jam XI (Malir) battle past fellow home side Baloch FC Malir 1-0, while Irfan Memorial (Landhi) beat tournament hosts FC Rovers (Malir Cantt) 2-1 in Group B.
Jam XI confirmed their place in the Engro League Top-8 (quarter-finals) thanks to a last-minute penalty from Liaquat Ali in 89th minute. Baloch Club conceded the spot kick when defender Javed Hussain was sent-off by the referee Javed Bangash for a deliberate hand-ball in stopping Amir’s shot on goal. Jam XI player Yasir Ali was given Man of the Match cash award of Rs 500 by DFA East secretary Ubaidullah.
Irfan Memorial edged past FC Rovers in a thriller late on after a mostly goal-less game. Rovers lost goalkeeper Shehzad Ahmed due to injury and was replaced by substitute goalie Rashid Khan in 67th minute. Irfan Memorial utilised this as they pressed Rovers in the final minutes of the game.
M Afzal made it 1-0 from an Ayaz Samoo cross in 85th minute before Afzal rounded the Rashid Khan to make it 2-0 in 92nd minute to confirm Irfan Memorial’s victory. Rovers managed a late goal from Irfan Junejo but it proved to be too late for a comeback as Irfan Memorial boosted their own Top 8 chances with a 2-1 win in the end. Afzal earned MOTM award from guest Wasim Raja as Irfan Junejo joined Salar Welfare Centre’s Amin Chottu as joint top-scorer so far with 5 goals.
Referees were Javed Bangash, Saeed Khan, Imran Hussain, 4th official Arif Hameed, and match commissioner Abdul Karim. On 7th March 2012, Korangi Baloch Stadium in Sharafi sees FC Rovers face Burma Mohammadan in a decisive match.