Tournament organisers Karachi United FC beat Malir Union 3-1 in their Group ‘A’ clash, while Al-Shabaz Korangi beat Kalri Star (Lyari) 2-0 in Group ‘B’ in the 8th Karachi Football League 2010-11 with both matches being played at Baloch Mujahid Stadium, Ibrahim Hyderi on Wednesday 26 January 2011. Rehan Munir (KUFC) and Fareed Alam (Al-Shabaz) were declared man of the match in respective games by KFL organising secretary Riaz Ahmed.
Fareed Alam was talisman for Al-Shabaz Korangi against Kalri Star as he was involved in both goals for their 2-0 win. In 41st minute, Fareed’s pass found Shah Alam who finished with aplomb to give Al-Shabaz a 1-0 lead before half time. In 2nd half, Kalri Star’s efforts to equalise through Sarwar Iqbal, Shaheen, Mubashir Rasheed, and Fareed Ahmed proved fruitless against sturdy Al-Shabaz defence and goalkeeper Manzoor Alam. Finally in 82nd minute, Fareed Alam gave Al-Shabaz a deserving 2-0 lead which they maintained till the end to gain top spot in Group ‘B’.
In second game of day, held under floodlights, Karachi United made quick work of Malir Union 3-1. Athar Qadri gave KUFC an early lead on 14 minutes, which was doubled by star Rehan Munir on 25th minute when his powerful strike beat Malir Union goalie Naveed Ahmed all ends up. Karachi United led 2-0 for most of the second half before Shamraiz Jan made it 2-1 in 75th minute, giving Malir Union a life-line. However, Rehan Munir scored his second of the game in 88th minute as he made it a decisive 3-1 for KUFC with another sweet strike with minutes left in the game.
The results leave Karachi United in 2nd place behind Young Ansari in Group ‘A’ with 12 points from 5 games while Al-Shabaz Korangi now top Group ‘B’ with 14 points from 7 games. Malir Union lie 8th with 6 points from 5 games while Kalri Star are 6th with 8 points from 5 games in their respective groups. Match referees were Jameel Naz, Chaudhry Iqbal, Babar Khan, Farrukh Riaz, and Riaz Baloch while match commissioner was Abdul Karim (Member Central Zone).
On Friday (28 January 2011), Burma Mohammadan face defending champs Chanesar Blue at 3:30 PM in Baloch Mujahid Stadium.
8TH KARACHI FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2010-11
Venue: Baloch Mujahid Stadium – Ibrahim Hyderi, Karachi
Fixtures Wednesday 26.01.2011
GROUP ‘A’
Karachi United defeated Malir Union 3-1 (2-0)
[Athar Qadri 14, Rehan Munir (2) 25,88 – Shamraiz Jan 75]
Man of the Match Rehan Munir (Karachi United)
Karachi United 12 points from 5 games (2nd position) while Malir Union 6 points from 5 games (8th position)
GROUP ‘B’
Al-Shabaz Korangi beat Kalri Star Lyari 2-0 (1-0)
[Noor Alam 40, Fareed Alam 82]
Man of the Match: Fareed Alam (Al-Shabaz)
Al-Shabaz Korangi 14 points from 7 games (1st Position) while Kalri Star 8 points from 5 games (6th position)
Fixture (Friday) 28.01.2011
Burma Mohammedan vs Chanesar Blue at 3:30 pm
[Source: Riaz Ahmed – 0300-3926092]