Karachi Energy win maiden SFL title

KARACHI: Karachi Energy lifted their first 2010 Super Football League trophy (SLF) courtesy a goal by Mohammad Rasool to earn a 1-0 win over Quetta Zorawer. The winners were also the SFL’s highest scoring team with 13 goals and were awarded Rs 780,000 prize money at the People’s Stadium in Lyari.

“We have finally won the much awaited trophy,” Karachi Energy captain Essa Khan told The Express Tribune. “Quetta gave us a good fight but at the end of the day it was a team effort. The credit goes to our goal-keeper, Mohammad Umer, for saving some great shots.”

Both teams struggled to score in the first half of the game but the goal-drought was brought to an end by Karachi’s Rasool, who converted a cross by captain Essa Khan into a goal in the 84th minute to seal the victory.

Karachi, who defeated the defending champions Islamabad United 4-2 in the semi-final, were able to win their first league in the second attempt.

Quetta ended their campaign with silver medals and also a prize money of Rs 390,000. They outplayed Lahore Lajpals 2-1 in the other semi- finals.

Karachi bagged 15 points on the table while Zorawer stood second with 12 points during the league matches.

Rasool received Rs50,000 as prize money for tournament’s highest scorer with five goals.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 2^nd, 2010.