The 2012 All-Karachi Engro Vopak Football League at Jam Stadium, Malir (Karachi) saw an intriguing Group B tie between Salar Welfare Centre (Malir) and Azam Sports (Drigh Road) yesterday 6 Feb 2012. A pulsating clash ended 2-2 with both sides sharing 1 point each. The match was also Azam Sports’ first game of the league campaign.
Azam Sports almost took the lead after 20 exciting minutes when Saleem Ullah’s shot just missed the target. Salaar WC responded immediately when Amin Chottu scored from a M Sharif pass in 21st minute to go 1-0 up. Azam Sports tried to equalise only for Naveed Ullah’s 32nd minute effort to be saved by Salaar WC goalkeeper Adeel Rasheed. Salaar Welfare Centre almost made it 2-0 just 4 minutes later but Abdul Haleem’s shot was saved by Azam Sports goalie Shahid Islam. Azam Sports eventually equalised in 42nd minute when Furqan Ullah scored from a Aqeel Khan cross, making it 1-1 at the breat.
The 2nd half saw increase in tempo as both sides attempted to take the lead. Azam Sports goalie Shahid Islam denied Amin Chottu’s free kick in 66th minute, then Salaar WC’s goalie Adeel Rasheed denied Aqeel Khan the chance to score after combining well with Furqan Ullah for the build-up in 71st minute. Salaar Welfare Centre eventually when 2-1 up when star Abdul Haleem made it 2-1 from a M Asif pass in 75th minute. However, Azam Sports’ hardwork to find another equaliser paid off when just 4 minutes from time (86′) Aqeel Khan scored from a Saleem Ullah pass making it 2-2 at the end of the game. Azam Sports’ Naveed Ullah earned a Man of the Match award worth Rs 500 cash from FC Rovers (Malir Cantt) manager Khalid Majeed.
The result left Salaar Welfare Centre on 4 points from 2 games, while Azam Sports were on 1 point from 1 game. Referees were Khalid Mumtaz ‘Jimmy’, On Wednesday (8 Feb 2012), Irfan Memorial (Landhi) face Janbaz Sports (DFA West).