Muslim FC consolidate second spot in PPFL
Chaman-based team defeats debutants Lyallpur FC 1-0.
Chaman-based team defeats debutants Lyallpur FC 1-0. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
Chaman’s Muslim FC strengthened their place in the Pakistan Premier Football League after defeating debutants Lyallpur FC 1-0 at the KPT Stadium yesterday.
Last year’s bronze-medallists dominated their 15th match of the season as Muhammad Amanuddin scored the winner in the sixth minute of the match.
Muslim FC were heavily criticised last season for finishing in third position due to several walk-overs in their favour as teams from Army, Wapda, Navy and others failed to reach Chaman for the matches.
However, their captain Abdul Qadeer said that his team has already fulfilled their dream of breaking the monopoly of departmental teams in the league.
“We have answered our critics,” Qadeer told The Express Tribune. “Chaman has so much talent for football that now even the departmental teams are looking to take players from our club. Our players not only perform well in good conditions and smoother pitches of Karachi and Lahore, but they are equally comfortable playing in the conditions back home.
“So yes I’m sure we can finish among the top three teams in this season as well. Our goal will be to defeat KRL as they are our only competition now.”
Qadeer emphasised that it is important for the regional clubs to come forward as they attract more supporters to the stadium.
“In Chaman we would earn at least Rs 10,000 from selling the tickets only. But playing in Karachi or Lahore is not so bad either. People come to see our matches because we have our community here.”
With the win, Muslim FC maintain second spot with 29 points next to KESC, who are leading the league with 31 points.
Meanwhile, defending champions KRL drew their match with PIA in a goalless draw at the Korangi Baloch Stadium. PIA remain in fifth position with 21 points.
In another match, Afghan FC defeated ZTBL 2-1.
Afghan FC took the lead in the 27th minute with Azizullah’s goal, while captain Jadeed Khan sealed victory in the 75th minute. ZTBL only managed to reply with Hikmatullah’s goal in the 90th minute.
Afghan FC have now risen to third position with 22 points after playing 15 matches.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 10th, 2013.
Chaman’s Muslim FC strengthened their place in the Pakistan Premier Football League after defeating debutants Lyallpur FC 1-0 at the KPT Stadium yesterday.
Last year’s bronze-medallists dominated their 15th match of the season as Muhammad Amanuddin scored the winner in the sixth minute of the match.
Muslim FC were heavily criticised last season for finishing in third position due to several walk-overs in their favour as teams from Army, Wapda, Navy and others failed to reach Chaman for the matches.
However, their captain Abdul Qadeer said that his team has already fulfilled their dream of breaking the monopoly of departmental teams in the league.
“We have answered our critics,” Qadeer told The Express Tribune. “Chaman has so much talent for football that now even the departmental teams are looking to take players from our club. Our players not only perform well in good conditions and smoother pitches of Karachi and Lahore, but they are equally comfortable playing in the conditions back home.
“So yes I’m sure we can finish among the top three teams in this season as well. Our goal will be to defeat KRL as they are our only competition now.”
Qadeer emphasised that it is important for the regional clubs to come forward as they attract more supporters to the stadium.
“In Chaman we would earn at least Rs 10,000 from selling the tickets only. But playing in Karachi or Lahore is not so bad either. People come to see our matches because we have our community here.”
With the win, Muslim FC maintain second spot with 29 points next to KESC, who are leading the league with 31 points.
Meanwhile, defending champions KRL drew their match with PIA in a goalless draw at the Korangi Baloch Stadium. PIA remain in fifth position with 21 points.
In another match, Afghan FC defeated ZTBL 2-1.
Afghan FC took the lead in the 27th minute with Azizullah’s goal, while captain Jadeed Khan sealed victory in the 75th minute. ZTBL only managed to reply with Hikmatullah’s goal in the 90th minute.
Afghan FC have now risen to third position with 22 points after playing 15 matches.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 10th, 2013.