Murtaza’s late header helps Mehran FC win the Naveed ul Hassan Memorial Tournament

Murtaza’s late header helps Mehran FC win the Naveed ul Hassan Memorial Tournament

By Shahrukh Sohail, Chief Editor, Islamabad

Islamabad’s Mehran Football Club won the Naveed ul Hassan Memorial Tournament in sublime fashion as they grabbed a late winner from KRL striker Murtaza Hussain to oust Huma Football Club.

The two sides kicked off the finale amidst a 200 strong crowd at the G-9 Football Ground with Mehran dominating the early exchanges and failing to convert most of the chances coming their way.

Led by KRL skipper Kamran Khan and NBP defender Yasir Sabir at the back, the hosts managed to keep Huma at bay for most of the first half, despite the opposition’s attacking options which included former U-21 International Fahadullah Khan.

In the second half, Huma nearly got the lead as a goalmouth scramble resulted in confusion between the Mehran defence, but fortunately for them, Huma were unable to convert.

With potential extra-time and penalties approaching, both sides made changes to secure victory but it was local boy Murtaza Hussain who rose to the occasion; out jumping the Huma defence to power a header past goalkeeper Asim and then taking off his jersey to reveal a tribute for former Mehran captain Naveed ul Hassan (Munna).

Amidst jubilant scenes, Islamabad Football Association Secretary Zaman Khan and Chief Guest Kaleem Akhtar (Kaleem Associates) handed over the winning trophy and prizes to mark the end of the competition.