KFL organisers Karachi United overcame a strong Baloch Youth Garden side 3-1 in their decisive Group ‘A’ game in 8th Karachi Football League 2010-11 held at the Baloch Mujahid Stadium in Ibrahim Hyderi, Karachi on Sunday (20 Feb 2011). The win helped KUFC vastly improve their chances for a top-4 finish as young star and man of the match Rehan Munir scored twice alongside a goal from Sajjad Ali. Salamuddin scored Baloch Youth’s only goal from a penalty.
After a tense 1st half, the match was poised 0-0 at half time. However in 47th minute, the match burst into life when Rehan Munir gave his side the lead after a mesmerising run that left four defenders in his wake. Rehan then made it 2-0 in 77th minute when he scored his second of the game from a corner to give Karachi United an imposing lead. However, referee Iqrar Hussain awarded Baloch Youth Garden a penalty in 88th minute which was finished with aplomb by midfielder Salamuddin.
With the scoreline being a tight 2-1, Baloch Youth Garden tried hard to equalise with just minutes remaining. However, substitute striker Sajjad “Carlos” Ali made it 3-1 for Karachi United deep in injury time (92′) as KUFC held on for a vital win to maintain their challenge for a top 4 spot. KFL organising secretary Riaz Ahmed declared Rehan Munir man of the match for his fine performance in the game. Referees were Iqrar Hussain with assistants Babar Khan and Farrukh Riaz while match commissioner was Abdul Karim (member Central Zone).
The win helped Karachi United push up to 3rd spot (17 points from 8 games) behind Baloch Mujahid and defending champs Chanesar Blue while Baloch Youth Garden went down to 4th with as many points from their completed quota of 9 games. Baloch Mujahid and Chanesar Blue have already confirmed their top 4 standing while Karachi United only need a draw in their final game against venue hosts Baloch Mujahid on 25 Feb 2011 (8 PM kick-off) to join them in next round.
On 23 Feb 2011, Aga Khan Gymkhana will host Kalri Star (Lyari) at Aga Khan Gymkhana Ground Garden West for their Group ‘B’ game at 4 PM.
8TH KARACHI UNITED FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Venue: Baloch Mujahid Stadium – Ibrahim Hydri
GROUP ‘A’
Match No.87
Karachi United defeated Baloch Youth Garden 3-1 (0-0)
[Rehan Munir (2) 47, 77, Sajjad Ali 90+2 – Salamuddin 88 pk]
Man of the Match Rehan Munir (Karachi United). Karachi United 17 points from 8 games (3rd position) while Baloch Youth Garden 17 points from 9 games (4th position)
Fixture (Wednesday) 23.02.2011
Venue: Aga Khan Gymkhana Ground – Garden West
Kalri Star Lyari vs Aga Khan Gymkhana at 4:00 pm