Balochistan Cup: Quetta declared province’s champions

Hosts beat Chaman 2-1 to wrap up tournament and take Rs500,000 home

KARACHI: Quetta were crowned champions at the inaugural Pakistan Petroleum Limitied (PPL) Balochistan Football Cup at the Ayub Stadium yesterday as they overcame Chaman 2-1 in the final.

The hosts had earlier shown Turbat the door after beating them with the same goal difference in the semi-finals.

According to the team, Quetta’s desire to win the trophy had increased after the recent deadly terrorist attacks in the city.

“Chaman were tough opponents, but it was important for us to win,” striker Istaqlal Khan told The Express Tribune. “We wanted to win the trophy because we wanted to lift the spirits of our city. Many people came to watch us today; the security by army was also top-notch. We considered it our duty to win this final.”

Quetta pocketed Rs500,000 as the winners, while Chaman received Rs250,000 as runners-up.

As per match official Samad Baloch, the final was an emotional affair for the Quetta players and the crowd turned up in decent numbers to cheer for the team.

“This trophy for Quetta is special,” said Baloch. “We had around 3,000 people in the stadium to watch this match despite this week’s heartrending incidents. Furthermore, the handsome prize money was a great incentive and is really going to help the players.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2016.

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