REPORT

AFRO vs. IMAGIO

Imagio came slowly and one-by-one to the pitch as the early 6:45 am kick-start marked their second game with Afro trading, the previous which they had lost 1-3. When the whistle blew there were only five men on the ground for Imagio which Afro took to their favor as Husain Somji and Husain Walji worked in tandem to try and break down the pressure. With defender and team captain Ashku coming in a few minutes before half-time this testy task became even harder. Adding to this Afro were missing key midfield Fazle Abbas Khakoo who had had a late night and so chief duty fell on captain Somji who did not take chances, preferring instead to pass to Walji in center. Imagio under pressure even with Muhammed Ramzan choose a more defensive role rather than try and get a point advantage but in spite of this Imran Lawati attempted on goal with all manner of apt shots like the bicycle kick. In the ending of the event the roles between teams switched as Afro packed together. This method of play conducted the final score which remained neil to both sides.

ZAGY vs. EASTERN FREIGHT

With Zuhair Rattansi taking the place of Saeed in forward the 2^nd match between Zagy and Eastern began with a shot deflected off Duli taken well by Zuhair. Sajjad Karim who was replacing Muntazir made a notable difference in the attacking role of the team but Zagy’s problems persisted in pulling them down – this time namely the absence of Sadik Dhirani. Eastern Freight came into play with conviction and it was reflected in Ibrahim’s kick on the edge of the box which was killed by Shane in the first 3 minutes of the first half. Following this Eastern were awarded a penalty as Ibrahim was brought down in the box which Ali Walji scored to the delight of his big brother. The game took an interesting turn when Eastern goalie Maisam came to midfield and lost the ball to Shane who crossed it to Sajjad with a close header ensuing. The goalie nearly cost the team again after carrying the ball in his area and then dragging it outside, for which the dismayed Zagy were given a free kick after arguing for penalty, taken by Qassim Hemraj. In the second half Zuhair Rattansi came in for goalie and saved multiple Walji threats but far too many came in and with 7 minutes to go the score was upped 2-0. Ibrahim scored one more towards the ending of the match and Eastern’s goalie was sent off for coming out of his area and committing a foul.

EASTPAC vs. TANGERINE

With the tournament so far holding back any firm positive result for both teams this match would be a step higher for the winner, more so Eastpac than Tangerine. Tangerine embraced the challenge from Eastpac with renewed confidence as playmaker Rasool returned to central midfield, injury-free and yearning to use his feet constructively, creating chances for the team and acting as a distraction. But if anything, it only spurred Eastpac on as captain Irfan charged with a brilliant strike from the right in the opening moments supported by some very optimistic passes. As the fourth minute ended Maisam Rattansi unleashed one of the many power shots he tried that day but 15-year-old keeper Muhammed Kazim deflected it. A new signing by Eastpac saw keeper Muzamil in form, catching and passing it to all the right people at the right time. One such instance occurred as Sadiq Jetha received a goal-throw and passed it to Maisam with just one defender in front which however, was not converted. With five minutes of play left to make with, Rasool dodged three defenders from mid-field and scored a goal signaling his ready-to-resume stance. The score was secured when Maisam crossed a free-kick to Sadiq Jetha who failed to bring it home.

UNIVERSAL vs. DYNAMIC

Dynamic’s on-going thrust of restless energy which had plummeted them to 3 weeks at the top of the leader board was non-existent through-out the first half as Universal commanded all aspects of the game versus a cowering Dynamic. As Mustafa Rashid covered for Ali Bhimani a queasy sense had unsettled over the defense line which quickly became apparent as Akeel Hemraj and teammates took their chances one after another. Countering the yellows became an issue when Adil did not sync with Maza and passes were wasted, only for the ball to find itself in the hands of Mustafa again. Still the score remained neil but an Akeel free-kick nearly broke that as it got past a three-defender wall but stopped short of the keeper, the ball evaded of energy displaying the sentiments of Dynamic’s competitiveness – close but not close enough. As Dynamic banded together at snail’s pace Akeel and Anis utilized their accuracy to play a 1-2 passing game where Akeel had the last touch, blasting it into Dynamic’s net. Being witness to this the sidelines questioned whether Dynamic’s luck had finally run out, but Maza showed that you make your own luck as he exercised utmost concentration to even the score. During the final moments of the game though Imran Karim – who was not on his best form – made a crucial mistake that allowed Akeel to pass through and shoot effectively, which nearly missed the goal. Hard luck to Dynamic who had relied on co-ordination from goalie to the front, as Anis ended the match bringing it to 1-2.

TANGERINE vs. AFRO

Having being beaten 4-0 by Afro previously Tangerine were seething for revenge. Brimming with quickness Tangerine gave the crowd a reason to engage in conversation from the very beginning. Captain Suhail played an all-rounder game undertaking the team’s responsibility to win this match with Rasool in a prepared pose to wrap up any balls coming his way. Afro reacted sheepishly until a goal from Husain Walji reminded them of the reason they were there. Mid-fielder Fazle Abbas Khakoo came in time for the 2^nd match after missing the first and was vital in pivoting passes to the front. A throw from the goalie bounced off Azam’s chest which created the perfect set-piece for Walji who brought the score up to 2-0. But Tangerine were encouraged from this loss and size made no difference as Suhail pressured Azam who cleared the ball from mid-air. A sudden drop in defense gave way to Suhail’s 1-2 tactic with Rasool to bring the score up to 1-2. At this point captain Husain Somji came in for Arif, being fed passes from Fazle who had so far strayed near his defense, devoid of any chances to shoot. With 6 minutes to the final whistle Husain Jagani replaced Fazle. As Jagani kept running up with Walji and Arif on the left wing the defenders marked him while Somji was free to try Walji’s close passes. Although one went in bringing up the score to 3-1 Arif was deterred by under-rated keeper Muhammed Kazim who Tangerine have a lot to thank for. As the game came to its conclusion Jagani was sent off for excessive foul play after 2 verbal warnings from ref Anis Somji and Husain Somji went back in. The game ended with another fine goal from Walji.

UNIVERSAL vs. EASTERN FREIGHT

Universal started on a high as they approached this match after beating Dynamic earlier, and the effort put across showed it wasn’t going to end there for them. Just before the kick-off the team had huddled in what looked like strategy planning, to finish collectively with loud voices. It might have intimidated Eastern as the beginning of the match showed, but then that was the intention. An offense committed by Eastern assured Universal a penalty which brought them one goal down. Not long after, a Salman header in midfield went to waiting Ali Damji on the left who passed it to Akeel in center who shot it in. With Eastern nerved-out the game heated up and a miss-hit from Ali Walji instead hit Anis Somji who had to retire from the game. Captain Akeel was sent off for misconduct on the pitch, after which Murtaza Merali was fouled twice in the same place. A chance for Salman to score went wide but the way he celebrated you wouldn’t be able to tell. Akeel who had returned conceived a hand-ball in his box and the penalty was saved by goal-keeper Imran Baksh. Smart play dictated the end of Eastern’s match as Ibrahim scored, but it was not enough to retaliate fully even as Akeel walked off the pitch for the second time.

IMAGIO vs. DYNAMIC

The style of play that differentiated these two teams was synonymous with the contrast between their match attire. Imagio opted for an all-out brawl but Dynamic stuck to their refined attitude which had brought them so far in the tournament. Abbas Vazir’s power got the better of him in the first one-on-one situation when he was sent the ball uncovered, wide in the first 3 minutes. After that he stepped back to defensive midfield to stop Maza’s rolling attacks and was partly successful. Not on his best form today, Imran Karim hit the ball very high up for the second time although he was unmarked in what could have been another contender for goal of the season. Imran Lawati and Muhammed Ramzan repeated solo runs instead of the flamboyant passing which had become akin to them in the few 2 weeks, but it was clear it wasn’t working. A change in tactics verified this when Lawati crossed the ball to Ali Husain who headed it past Muhammed Manji Sr, who had replaced Adil. Soon after Dynamic had the chance to do exactly the same but Adil’s header went just a few feet off course. With the game flaring up Lawati was sent off for a slide tackle against Maza that did not actually touch him, shortly after which referee Husain Walji threatened to send Maza off for diving. Dynamic’s good fortune decided to visit them again when Maza was pressured by Ashku on the edge of the box and slipped, for which a penalty was handed amidst much resistance from Imagio who insisted Ashku had not even touched Maza. The goal was scored and now it was back to square one. With about 5 minutes left on the timer Maza passed to unmarked Adil who flushed out the goalie and passed the ball into the goal from his left side.

EASTPAC vs ZAGY

Zagy were in dire desire of focal point Sadik Dhirani as Eastpac took an early lead with a Maisam Rattansi ploy involving Masoom Somji who scored his first goal for Eastpac. Taking this to heart Eastpac composed opening after opening as the ball remained on Zagy’s side for a good first few minutes of the game. This creative play proved to be fruitful as an unmarked Sadiq Jetha increased Eastpac’s lead by one goal. Maisam Rattansi, clearly enjoying himself unfalteringly unleashed a wickedly muscular shot that hit the right post. After a bout of inspiring play from Shane, Zagy stirred and Qassim Hemraj became the dominant force towards the Zagy cause, backed by skillful play from Shane and captain Muhamed Manji. Defender Abbas Manji who played his best did not have the speed to catch up with the older of the Jetha brothers as he repeated a feat similar to that of Adil in the earlier Dynamic vs Imagio. After being given a free kick, Qassim Hemraj released a pungent backlash stimulated by the aspiration to win which brought Zagy one up. After just a minute, a ball from Sajjad on the right found its way to Qassim in the center who eluded a defender and the goalie to tap it at the back of the net in a very Adil-like fashion. Shane wanted to demonstrate that though they were down there was no lack of talent in Zagy as he held 30 seconds of possession simply side-stepping Irfan Damji and Sadiq Jetha repeatedly, the crowd cheering louder with every dodge. It took 3 players to bring him down but the ball switched sides as an anxious attempt to stop the ball reaching Sajjad Karim went wide. The score remained the same but believe it or not at the end of the day Zagy was showered with more praise than any other player that had flanked their respective side that day.