RLCA Ramazan Cup: Footballers XI beat Cricketers XI in opener

RLCA Ramazan Cup: Footballers XI beat Cricketers XI in opener

The much-awaited RLCA Ramazan Floodlit Football Cup in Karachi began with an exhibition opener between an International Footballers XI and Test Cricketers XI at RLCA Korangi ground in Korangi #5, Karachi yesterday night 29 July 2012.

The formal fixtures start on 30 July 2012 at the same venue with PIA facing DFA East.

The brainchild of former Pakistani cricket star Rashid Latif, the first ever football even by the Rashid Latif Cricket Academy (RLCA) got off to a unique start with this friendly game. Test Cricketers XI shocked everyone went they 1-0 up after 11 minutes with a goal from Khalid Latif from a cross by fast bowler Muhammad Sami.

In 2nd half, Test Cricketers XI maintained pressure under captain Rashid Latif, Shadab Kabir, Fawad Alam et al. but International Footballers XI goalkeeper M Shabir kept them from scoring. Footballers strikers including national coach Nasir Ismail, two-time SAF Games winner Saleem Patni, Ejaz Kara, Nasim Akhtar, M Shamim attempted to get back in the game. Finally, Footballers XI equalised in 54th minute when Nadeem ul Arfeen’s 25 yard free kick found the net.

Just 5 minutes before the final whistle, Nasir Ali, Ghulam Sarwar Jr., Ejaz Kara, and M Asif combined well with Ashraf Ali nodding in a rebound from a Ejaz Kara shot to win the game 2-1 for International Footballers XI. Referees were Saleem Uddin, Babar Khan, Abdur Rauf, Sabir Baloch, and match commissioner Khalid Majeed.

The RLCA Ramazan Football Cup was formally opened by chief guest and Sindh MPA, Moin Pirzada (MQM). Others present included national coach Tariq Lutfi (KRL), Sindh FA secretary Hassan Baloch, DFA West secretary Rahim Bakhsh Baloch, FIFA Referee Ejaz Hussain, Karachi United Football Foundation administrator and media manager Riaz Ahmed, DFA West vice president Abdul Hameed Baloch and others.

ST RLCA RAMZANUL MUBARAK FLOOD-LIT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 2012

RLCA GROUND KORANGI NO.5 – KARACHI

INAUGURAL EXHIBITION MATCH

International Footballers XI – 2   (Nadeemul Arfeen, 54′ from free kick, Ashraf Ali 65′ from Goal Keeper rebound)

Test Cricketers XI – 1  (Khalid Latif 11 from Mohammad Sami cross )

MPA Sindh Assembly Khalid Umer inaugurated the tournament by kicking the ball at half time duration

Referees : Saleemuddin Babar, Babar Khan, Abdul Rauf and Sabir Baloch while Khalid Majeed was Match Commissioner

RIAZ AHMED – O300-3926092