Pakistan go down fighting against India

Lahore, 23 March: One-down India struck thrice late in second half to beat Pakistan 3-1 in the fourth AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers (Group-B) match on Wednesday at MBJP Stadium, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Pakistan kept 1-0 lead against former Champion India until 67th minute and conceded three goals in the last 23 minutes. 

Pakistan and India are all time rivals, either it is sports or it is social economic platform they stand face to face. Sports is the field where public love to watch them playing against each other, mostly India and Pakistan meet in cricket, football and hockey matches and make game more than just a game. 

India and Pakistan have enjoyed a huge rivalry post-independence in every sport, both the nations have participated in since, be it Hockey,Football, Cricket, Kabaddi. Petaling Jaya match had already seen much of a surprising media attention, One thing is for sure, no matter which sport the two nations participate in, no matter which country the match takes place, any match between the arch rivals has attracted huge crowds from both the countries and the MBPJ Stadium, Petaling Jaya was packed more than usual, as fans are expected to show up and cheer their national football heroes. 

India dominating the early proceedings and in the fifth minute, nice exchange of passes between Jagpreet Singh and Steven Dias saw Sunil Chhettri gets past his marker but his attempt deflected for corner. Thailand-based Zesh Rehman rescued Pakistan when he denied Jeje a clear-cut 10th minute opportunity. 

Pakistan players trying to slow down the match and they have enjoyed a fair share of possession with both Rizwan Asif and Faisal Iqbal both were looking lively for Pakistan. WAPDA’s defender Manzoor Ahmed returned back. He was not allowed by AFC to appear in Monday’s clash against Turkmenistan. According to Match Commissioner Manirul Islam (Bangladesh), he was suspended following a Red Card against Uzbekistan in the 36th Asian U19 Champion at Takhti Stadium, Iran on 10 December 2009.It was first half action during which Yemeni Referee Saleh Al-Yarimi had shown Manzoor the Yellow Card in the 30th minute, followed by Red Card six minutes later. 

Back in Malaysia, the 20th minute saw Rahim Nabi played a superb ball from the left wing towards the centre, but neither Sunil nor Jeje could anticipate the ball and it goes out for a goal-kick.Pakistan produced chance in the 25th minute. Lovely exchange of passes between Muhammed Adil and Arif Hussain took a return pass from Muhammad Adil , but his drive well outside the box was too easy for Indian gloveman Subrata who collects with calmness. India enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in first 30 minutes and created a couple of good chances, but Pakistan defense stood firm and took the lead in the 32nd minute.A defensive blunder by Anwar gifted the goal as WAPDA’s Arif Mehmood gave no chance to Subrata. Pakistan led 1-0 at interval. 

India went all out in quest of equalizer and wasted two corners in the 50th minute but their repeated attacks and substitution earned them the leveler in the 67th minute with young Mizoram-born Jeje Lalpekhula ( Indian Arrows), accelerated onto Sunil’s pass, beat Amir Gul all ends up. It was second goal for Jeje in as many event’s matches 

India pressing hard to take the lead and in the 85th minute, Nabi and Sunil who found Jeje with a clever back-heal. Jeje came close with a left footer, but the Gul was alert under Pakistan’s bar. Steven Dias stunned Pakistan in the 90th minute to make it 2-1 and it was left to Jeje to add another in the 4th minute of injury time. 

Two teams were 
Pakistan 

Goalkeepers: Amir Gul (NBP), Muhammad Omar (KESC) 

Defenders: Manzoor Ahmed (WAPDA), Alamgir Khan (Police), Atif Bashir Qureshi (Barry Town, Wales), Samar Ishaq (KRL) CAP, Zeeshan Rehman (Muangthong United FC, Thailand), 
Midfielders: Faisal Iqbal (NBP), Syed Arif Hussain (WAPDA), Muhammad Adil (KRL), Mahmood Khan (KRL), Kashif Mumtaz Siddiqui (Fresno Fuego, USA), Abdul Aziz (NBP) VC, Nasr Ullah Khan (PIA), Adnan Farooq Ahmed (Aboomoslem FC, Iran), 
Strikers : Jadeed Khan Pathan (WAPDA), Rizwan Asif (KRL), Kalim Ullah (KRL), Imran Niazi (WAPDA), Arif Mehmood (WAPDA), Muhammad Qasim (KRL). 

Coach : Tariq Lutfi 
India 

Goalkeepers: Subrata Paul, Gurpreet Singh, Jagroop Singh. Defenders: Denzil Franco, Gourmangi Singh , Anwar , Mohan Raj, Nirmal Chhetri , Syed Rahim Nabi, Govin Singh, N.S.Manju, Raju Gaikwad. Midfielders: Steven Dias, Joaquim Abranches, Baldip Singh, Jagpreet Singh, Rakesh Masih, Jewel Raja, Shilton D’Silva. 
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri (Captain), Sushil Singh, CS Sabeeth, Jeje Lalpekhulua. 

Coach : Robert Douglas Houghton

Pakistan To Face Indian Star Sunil in 23rd Sub Continent Football Clash

Lahore, 15 March: It will be Tariq Lutfi vs Bob Houghton as coaches when the 23rd international soccer encounter between Pakistan and India will be recorded in the fourth AFC Challenge Cup Qualifier on 23 March at Kuala Lumpur. Pakistan are clubbed in Group B and they will take on Turkmenistan on March 21 before locking horns with India, followed by Chinese Taipei (March 25). 

Bob included Secundrabad-born Sunil Chhetri who visited Pakistan during 9th SA Games 2004 and scored his first international goal against Pakistan on 12 June 2005 at Ayub Stadium, Quetta. Having scored twice in 15th Asian Cup at Qatar last January, he received much media attention after scoring a hat-trick in the final of the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, which led to an unsuccessful trial at English club Coventry City and speculation linking him with many European and North American clubs. 

India is said to have been interested to host the Group B, but due to Pakistan being in the same group the continental body played it safe and is hosting it in the country that it is based in - Malaysia. Group A will be hosted in Yangon by Myanmar with host, Bangladesh, Palestine and Philippines Group C will be hosted by Maldives in Male. The teams are: Maldives, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Cambodia while Group D will be played in Kathmandu, Nepal with host, North Korea, Sri Lanka, and the winners of the pre-qualification match between Bhutan and Afghanistan. Two teams from each group qualify for the eight team finals. The hosts of the finals will only be decided by the AFC once all the eight qualifiers are decided and one of these nations would host the tournament. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan chopped down the squad to twenty two from the 37 probables while India left out most of the younger players, who featured in the Olympic qualifiers against Myanmar, in the 23-member squad announced for the coming show. AIFF had announced 44 probables but pruned down the squad to 23. Those from the Olympic qualifiers team which made it to the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers include Raju Gaekwad and his club mates Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Shilton D'Silva, Jewel Sheikh Raja, Jeje Lalpekhulua and Viva Kerala player CS Sabeeth. The squad still have senior players in the likes of Subrata Pal, Sunil Chhetri, Anwar, Syed Rahim Nabi, Gouramangi Moirangthem and Steven Dias. 

The Probables of both teams: 

Pakistan: 

Goalkeepers (2): Amir Gul (NBP), Muhammad Omar (KESC) 

Defenders (5): Manzoor Ahmed (WAPDA), Alamgir Khan (Police), Atif Bashir Qureshi (Barry Town, Wales), Samar Ishaq (KRL), Zeeshan Rehman (Muangthong United FC, Thailand), 

Midfielders (8): Faisal Iqbal (NBP), Syed Arif Hussain (WAPDA), Muhammad Adil (KRL), Mahmood Khan (KRL), Kashif Mumtaz Siddiqui (Fresno Fuego, USA), Abdul Aziz (NBP), Nasr Ullah Khan (PIA), Adnan Farooq Ahmed (Aboomoslem FC, Iran), 

Strikers (7): Saddam Hussain (PIA), Jadeed Khan Pathan (WAPDA), Rizwan Asif (KRL), Kalim Ullah (KRL), Imran Niazi (WAPDA), Arif Mehmood (WAPDA), Muhammad Qasim (KRL). 

India : 

Goalkeepers (3): Arindam Bhattacharya, Subrata Pal, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. 

Defenders (9): Anwar, Nirmal Chhetri, Denzil Franco, Raju Gaekwad, NS Manju, Nalappan Mohanraj, Syed Rahim Nabi, Gouramangi Moirangthem, Govin Moirangthem. 

Midfielders (7): Joaquim Abranches, Shilton D'Silva, Steven Dias, Rakesh Masih, Jewel Sheikh Raja, Baldeep Singh, Jagpreet Singh 

Strikers (4): Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpekhulua, CS Sabeeth, Sushil Kumar Singh
. 

Modern FC concludes Nawabshah tour with 2 games

Modern FC Hyderabad concluded its two-game tour of Nawabshah after beating Moment FC 1-0 and drawing with Young Baloch 0-0. Saddam's late goal helped the Hyderabad side win the first game held at Municipal High School Ground in Nawabshah city against Modern FC.

Ali Haider Jamali, Chairman of DFA Dadu, was chief guest for the first game. He expressed his happiness over such friendly tours between clubs of different cities across Sindh, as it helps raise the status of the game and help bring some much needed action for the players to take part in. Ali Haider Jamali also invited Modern FC to tour Dadu later on as well as presenting a cash donation of Rs 5000 to the tour organisers for making it a success. Also present at the occasion were Lala Arshad Iqbal, Hashmat Ali, Mehmood Ali Brohi, Azad Petiwala, and others.

The second game was held at Police Ground where Young Baloch were held 0-0 by Modern FC. Akbar Ali Baloch was chief guest, and he expressed praise over Modern FC undertaking the friendly tour of Nawabshah as well as praising both sides for their superb sportsmanship and skill. He also urged football organisers and officials to encourage future tours for promoting football everywhere. Also present were Zafar Qaimkhani, Yaqoob Baloch etc. Referee was Saeed Mughal.

Garhi Shahue, Flying Horse move into last 16 of Raiders Cup

                                 Garhi Shahue FC with chief guest Adv. Sameer Ijaz during
                                               Raiders Cup 2011 at Faisal Town, Lahore




Lahore, 15 March: Garhi Shahue FC and Flying Horse FC clinched their places in the pre quarter finals of All Punjab Raiders Football Cup 2011 at Raiders Football Club Ground, Faisal Town


They joined Walton, Shaheen Wahdat, Bata FC, Afshan FC, Young Shooter, Jabbar Friends, Pency, Raiders FC , Pak Fighters, Model Town, Muneer Shaheed (Okara), Usmania FC, Muslim FC (Sheikhpura), Fatima Memorial into last 16.

Both the winners earned identical 3-0 win over Publican FC and St. Michael FC in the first round.

Fixture (16 March, Wednesday) : Muneer Shaheed, Kasur v Walton, Lahore (3.30 PM).

                                            Indian coach Bob Houghton                              

Lahore, 15 March: It will be Tariq Lutfi vs Bob Houghton as coaches when the 23rd international soccer encounter between Pakistan and India will be recorded in the fourth AFC Challenge Cup Qualifier on 23 March at Kuala Lumpur. Pakistan are clubbed in Group B and they will take on Turkmenistan on March 21 before locking horns with India, followed by Chinese Taipei (March 25).

Bob included Secundrabad-born Sunil Chhetri who visited Pakistan during 9th SA Games 2004 and scored his first international goal against Pakistan on 12 June 2005 at Ayub Stadium, Quetta. Having scored twice in 15th Asian Cup at Qatar last January, he received much media attention after scoring a hat-trick in the final of the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, which led to an unsuccessful trial at English club Coventry City and speculation linking him with many European and North American clubs.

India is said to have been interested to host the Group B, but due to Pakistan being in the same group the continental body played it safe and is hosting it in the country that it is based in - Malaysia. Group A will be hosted in Yangon by Myanmar with host, Bangladesh, Palestine and Philippines Group C will be hosted by Maldives in Male. The teams are: Maldives, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Cambodia while Group D will be played in Kathmandu, Nepal with host,  North Korea, Sri Lanka, and the winners of the pre-qualification match between Bhutan and Afghanistan. Two teams from each group qualify for the eight team finals. The hosts of the finals will only be decided by the AFC once all the eight qualifiers are decided and one of these nations would host the tournament.

Meanwhile, Pakistan chopped down the squad to twenty two from the 37 probables while India left out most of the younger players, who featured in the Olympic qualifiers against Myanmar, in the 23-member squad announced for the coming show. AIFF had announced 44 probables but pruned down the squad to 23. Those from the Olympic qualifiers team which made it to the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers include Raju Gaekwad and his club mates Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Shilton D'Silva, Jewel Sheikh Raja, Jeje Lalpekhulua and Viva Kerala player CS Sabeeth. The squad still have senior players in the likes of Subrata Pal, Sunil Chhetri, Anwar, Syed Rahim Nabi, Gouramangi Moirangthem and Steven Dias.

The Probables of both teams:

Pakistan:

Goalkeepers (2): Amir Gul (NBP), Muhammad Omar (KESC)

Defenders (5): Manzoor Ahmed (WAPDA), Alamgir Khan (Police), Atif Bashir Qureshi (Barry Town, Wales), Samar Ishaq (KRL), Zeeshan Rehman (Muangthong United FC, Thailand),

Midfielders (8): Faisal Iqbal (NBP), Syed Arif Hussain (WAPDA), Muhammad Adil (KRL), Mahmood Khan (KRL), Kashif Mumtaz Siddiqui (Fresno Fuego, USA), Abdul Aziz (NBP), Nasr Ullah Khan (PIA), Adnan Farooq Ahmed (Aboomoslem FC, Iran),

Strikers (7): Saddam Hussain (PIA), Jadeed Khan Pathan (WAPDA), Rizwan Asif (KRL), Kalim Ullah (KRL), Imran Niazi (WAPDA), Arif Mehmood (WAPDA), Muhammad Qasim (KRL).

India :

Goalkeepers (3): Arindam Bhattacharya, Subrata Pal, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Defenders (9): Anwar, Nirmal Chhetri, Denzil Franco, Raju Gaekwad, NS Manju, Nalappan Mohanraj, Syed Rahim Nabi, Gouramangi Moirangthem, Govin Moirangthem.

Midfielders (7): Joaquim Abranches, Shilton D'Silva, Steven Dias, Rakesh Masih, Jewel Sheikh Raja, Baldeep Singh, Jagpreet Singh

Strikers (4): Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpekhulua, CS Sabeeth, Sushil Kumar Singh.

WAPDA face tricky group in AFC President’s Cup

                                                              

Kuala Lumpur: Defending champions Yadanarbon of Myanmar will have to navigate uncharted waters after being drawn on Monday with debutants Jabal Al Mukaber Club of Palestine and Tajik club Istiklol for the 2011 edition of the AFC President’s Cup.

Group B is completed by Bhutan’s Yeedzin FC, who played in the last edition too.

Yadanarbon edged past Kyrgyzstan’s Dordoi 1-0 in the previous edition’s final in Yangon but the inclusion of Jabal Al Mukaber in this year’s competition is set to further spice up the competition. This is the first time ever a club from West Asia is playing in the AFC President’s Cup.

Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Crown FC will play host to Group A, which also comprises Kyrgyzstan’s Neftchi Kochkor-Ata, Bangladesh champions Abahani and Sri Lanka’s Don Bosco Sports Club.

Nepal Police Club (Nepal), Taiwan Power Company (Chinese Taipei), FC Nebitchi (Turkmenistan) and WAPDA (Pakistan) form Group C, which will be played in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The group matches will be played from May 13 to 31. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the six-team finals to be played at a centralised venue.

GROUPINGS

Group A

Phnom Penh Crown FC (CAM)
Neftchi Kochkor-Ata (KGZ)
Abahani (BAN)
Don Bosco SC (SRI)

GROUP B

Yadanarbon (MYA)
Istiklol (TJK)
Jabal Al Mukaber Club (PAL)
Yeedzin FC (BHU)

GROUP C

Nepal Police Club (NEP)
Taiwan Power Company (TPE)
FC Nebitchi (TKM)
WAPDA (PAK)

Federal Sports Secretary visits PFF

Lahore, 14 March: Federal Secretary Sports Aziz Ahmed Bilour has hailed the handsome efforts of Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)’s President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat and said recent visits of two foreign teams from Middle East and South East Asia from to Pakistan and have restored everyone’s confidence and the sporting country like Pakistan, the record holder in SA Games Soccer with four golds, now look forward to deal with bigger events of international circuit in the forthcoming days.

“The arrival of Malaysian U21 team after Palestinian National team signaled the revival of sporting events in the country. It’s a good step that foreign teams have started coming to Pakistan which will send positive message across the world.

Aziz was also chief guest of Pakistan-Malaysia Olympics Qualifier last Wednesday and he watched the intruing match at Punjab Stadia with Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)’s President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat and Pakistan Sports Board Director General Syed Amir Hamza Gilani .

The country’s sports suffered a major setback when the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked by the terrorists in Lahore on 3 March 2009 compelling the visiting team to return back to their country without completing the cricket series. The attacck occurred when a bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers, part of a larger convoy, was fired upon by 12 gunmen, near the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The cricketers were on their way to play the third day of the 2nd Test against the Pakistani team. Six members of the Sri Lanka team were injured while six Pakistani policemen and two civilians were killed. These were the first attacks on a national sports team since the massacre of Israeli athletes in Munich Olympics 1972.

Exactly two years later, foreign football teams started to land at Pakistan as PFF do what the country’s major sports like cricket and hockey have failed to do – bring international teams to the country. Palestine National team faced Pakistan in the Lahore Test on 1 March, followed by Karachi encounter on 4 March. Today, Pakistan Olympic Team collided with Malaysian Olympic Team in the second leg of London Olympic Qualifiers.

“It’s a good step that foreign teams have started coming to Pakistan which will send positive message across the world,” said Pakistan Olympic Association (POA)’s President Lt. Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan.”The arrival of Palestinians, Malaysia within in Pakistan within nine days have restored everyone’s confidence and signal the revival of sporting events in the country,” The nation now look forward to staging bigger events in the near future.”

During a Meet with PFF Chief at FIFA Football House, Aziz  has lauded the invaluable contributions of Faisal Saleh Hayat for the promotion of football in Pakistan and said lately football was on a upward trend in Pakistan .” Pakistan has come a long way in terms of level of competitiveness in the last seven years and PFF management deserves praise for making solid efforts for the promotion of football’, said Sports Secretary “I firmly believe that PFF would continue its journey in right direction under the leadership of Faisal”. He is also convinced the standard of the game in Pakistan has greatly improved in recent years and Pakistan was unfortunate not to capitalize on the chances they received.

Walton enter last 16 of Raiders Cup, MTFC to face Shaheen

Lahore, 14 March:  Walton FC got rid of Nasir Shaheed FC in tie-break session and entered pre quarter finals of All Punjab Raiders Football Cup 2011 at Raiders Football Club Ground, Faisal Town. The Chief guest of match was Advocate High Court Sameer Ijaz.  Walton joined Shaheen Wahdat, Bata FC, Afshan FC, Flying Horse, Young Shooter, Jabbar Friends, Pency, Garhi Shahue into last 16.

Walton were the first to settle down and struck 19th min opener through striker Usman but their joy was short-lived as Nasir Shaheed hit the 23rd minute leveler with winger Furqan making it 1-1. It was stayed 1-1 at interval and second half remain barren. The penalty-kicks saw Walton winning the tie 2-1 in penalty shoot out. On Tuesday (15 Mar) Model Town will play Shaheen Wahdat in first pre Quarter-final at 3.30 PM.

Pre Quarter-Final Draws

15 Mar : Model Town v  Shaheen Wahdat
16 Mar : Muneer Shaheed v Walton
17 Mar : Usmania FC v Bata FC
18 Mar : Muslim FC, Sheikhpura v Pency
19 Mar : Afshan v Jabbar Friends
20 Mar: Flying Horse v Fatima/Shah Kamal
21 Mar: Young Shooter v Pak Fighter
22 Mar: Garhi Shahue v Raiders FC

Model Town will lock horns with Shaheen Wahdat  FC when the first pre Quarter-final of  All Punjab Raiders Football Cup 2011 will be played at Raiders Football Club Ground, Faisal Town on Tuesday, 15 March 2011.

Both the participants already announced the teams. Former FIFA Referee Hafiz Anis Javaid will act as Match Commissioner while Nasim Uddin Qureshi will perform duty of Referee Assessor. The Referees will be Afzal Bari, Fayyaz Siddiqi, Shamas Pervaiz, Liaquat Shah, Younus Anthony, Liaquat Ali.

Model Town FC: Umair Zafar ( C), Omer Khan, Muhammad Tariq, Khaled Khan, Sadaqat Ali, Sabahat Ali, Umair Najam, Rao Ahmed, Awaab Ur Rehman, Ahmed Jawad, Aaqib Amjad, Hamza Ali, Asad Ullah Khan, Naqqash, Tehwaar Malik, Muhammad Zikria, Salman Ahmed, Zaheer Pappi, S.M.Sadiq. Playing Coach: Khaled Khan

Shaheen Wahdat FC: Iftikhar ( C), Majid, Asif, Izhar, Ijaz, Aman Ullah, Sibtain, Ahmed Shah, Shahzad, Naqib Ullah, Waheed, Ameen, Umair, Usman, Sohaib, Adnan, Subhan, Aqeel, Bilal. Coach: Haji Shareef.

National Futsal Championship in July 16 Teams Will Show Their Strength

Lahore, 13 March: “FIFA has been injecting a lot of effort to develop Futsal around the world. As Futsal is such a dynamic sport, the officials of this powerful organization preview a huge popularity for the sport. They are dedicating special attention to legitimize it as an Olympic Sport. The arrangements are in full swing to launch National event for Futsal on Pakistan soil,” said PFF’s Secretary General Lt.Col ® Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi. The event’s inaugural edition was allotted to Islamabad’s Liaquat Gymnasium from 21-25 December 2010 but in order to avoid clash with soccer matches of hurriedly-arranged 31st National Games at same city, it was postponed for seven months. 

Brazil is estimated to have more Futsal players than football players. The game is eulogized for the number of star footballers it has nurtured. The origin of Futsal can be traced back to Montevideo in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani devised a five-a-side version of soccer for youth competitions. Once Ceriani got the ball rolling, Futsal gained rapid popularity throughout South America, particularly in Brazil. The skill developed in this game is visible in the world-famous style the Brazilians display outdoors on the full-sized field. Pele, Zico, Socrates, Bebeto and other Brazilian superstars developed their skill playing Futsal. 

Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)'s President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat has approved 16 teams Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, FATA, Pakistan WAPDA, Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC), Pakistan Army, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Pakistan Air Force and Chaman’s Afghan FC for the event. The coming show was inducted in PFF Football Activity Calendar 2011 during PFF Congress at Lahore's FIFA Football House on 28 December 2010. 

First National Futsal Championship will be held in second week of July 2011 under the auspices of the PFF who asked all the heads of provincial/regional Association and organizations to form concerned committees for the registration of futsal clubs. After the completion of National Futsal Championship, PFF will form National Futsal team, followed by AFC Futsal Level-One Coaching Course in October or November. 

While explaining about the game, PFF Director Operation Wng Cmdr ® Pervaiz Saeed Mir said,” Futsal is a format of five-a-side football that is played extensively throughout the world. The term ‘Futsal’ is an abbreviation of the Portuguese ‘futebol de salão’ or the Spanish ‘futbol sala’, both of which translated literally mean ‘indoor football’.It is played on a pitch approximately the size of a basketball or netball court with a ball which is smaller and heavier than the outdoor football and has a reduced bounce.” 

The bid documents for hosting rights of National Futsal Championship are already been circulated to all provincial/regional units as well organizations affiliated with PFF. 

It is interesting that Futsal on Pakistani soil came through females four years ago when Pakistan Women Futsal team took part in the event at Aman’s Qasr Arriyada Hall in Hussein Sports City and earned Fair play trophy in third Amman Women's Football Futsal Championship. Jordan Football Association (JFA) hosted the event at Jordanian capital of Amman from 11-16 May 2006

PFF President offers condolences to Japan FA over disaster

Lahore, 13 March: Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)’s President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat has extended his condolences to Japan's Emperor Akihito the, people of Japan and the Japan Football Association (JFA)’s President Junji Ogura, Vice President Kuniya Daini and General Kohzo Tashima following the massive earthquake and tsunami.

The largest quake ever to hit Japan struck on Friday  spawned a 10-metre high tidal wave that has wreaked havoc in the country's east, sweeping away boats, cars and houses as well as triggering fires. Powerful earthquake has struck the north-east coast of Japan, triggering a massive tsunami. Officials say 350 people are dead and about 500 missing, but it is feared the final death toll will be much higher.“On behalf of AFC, FIFA and its Member Associations, I convey my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan,” said Faisal who is also AFC Executive Committee member and Chairman Disciplinary Committee.

“AFC, PFF stands by Japan. This is a personal tragedy for me and I feel their pain. My thoughts are with the people of Japan in this very difficult hour.Faisal, also FIFA Disciplinary Committee member: “I believe the power of Japanese football and its great support among the Japanese communities will prove to be a big factor in the recovery and morale-building process.”All the staff members from FootballPakistan.Com (FPDC) express their sympathies and best wishes to the people of Japan in facing such an immense and devastating disaster. Japan, you will be in our thoughts and prayers!

Young Talent: Noman Mirza Khan from Karachi

Pakistan has no dearth of talent and especially now in football. The young generation has taken to this wonderful game with love and a passion not seen in other games here in Pakistan. The need of the hour is to promote the young talent and to provide them with chances to showcase and enhance their skills.
We caught up with such a young talent from Karachi named Noman Mirza Khan. He is 18, a student, a highly talented wing back and even broke into the Sui Southern Gas team last year. He has hopes of continuing football and representing Pakistan in the future. Here is a short interview with the young man.
FPDC: Please tell us about your playing history, when did you start, your career in football?
Noman: Hello footballpakistan.com, Salam, I started playing football from my school. I was the captain there, than i started to play 4 my club Aga Khan Gymkhana in Karachi and then I went to Sui Southern Gas team for training while training they offer me to play 4 them and I accepted it and played for them in the Pakistan Premier League. I played my debut match against KPT it was very tough match and we lost to them 2-1 but it was a great day for me. I play left full back or left wing.
FPDC: Is there any role model for you?
Noman: Yeah, Cristiano Ronaldo! He is good player and I like his game, he is confident every time n he is role model to me.
FPDC: What needs to be changed in pakistani Football?
Noman: There should be fair selection and under 18 pff league should be started.
FPDC: What difficulties young aspiring footballers like you face in Pakistan?
Noman: There are lack of facilities, lack of good grounds , lack of professional coaches , and ultimately lack of chances.
FPDC: What is your future plan?
Noman: I want to play football because it is my passion and I want to study further. Sui Southern might offer me a contract this year, we are in negotiations, I will weigh the decision though.
FPDC: Do you see any chance of playing international?
Noman: Yes, I am 18 n looking to play in the under-19 Pakistan team this year its my dream to wear green coat and represent my country.


FPDC: Thank you for your time and best of luck for the future.

KFL 2010-11: Young Ansari through to next round at expense of Karachi United

The 8th Karachi Football League 2010-11 saw the completion of its 90 scheduled group stage games on Saturday 12 March 2011 at Baloch Mujahid Stadium in Ibrahim Hyderi, Karachi. The final two Group 'A' games saw Young Ansari fight hard to capitalise on Karachi United's defeat to qualify for quarter-finals at the expense of the much-fancied KFL organisers.

Hameed Afridi (Young Ansari)

The already qualified Baloch Mujahid showed their class as they raced to a 2-0 lead within 50 minutes thanks to goals by Muhammad Hanif and Muhammad Rizwan. Rehan Munir put one in for Karachi United with 15 minutes left, but Umer Bakhsh broke KUFC hearts as he made it 3-1 in 80th minute. A stoppage time goal by Usman Iqbal was not enough for Karachi United, who needed at least a point to have the advantage over Young Ansari, as they lost 3-2 in the end.
The next game saw Hameed Afridi in inspirational form for Young Ansari as he scored his 2nd hat-trick of the tournament with a 4 goal burst against the hard working Malir Union side as he helped his side win 4-3 at the end in a tense encounter. Despite having nothing to play for but pride, Malir Union gave Young Ansari a very tough time but failed to deal with KFL top scorer Hameed Afridi as goals from Sheraz Khan, Muhammad Asif and Abid Ali could not stop Young Ansari from qualifying to the next round.
Hameed Afridi now tops the KFL 2010-11 goal scoring charts with 13 goals ahead of Kalri Star's Muhammad Habib who now is 2nd with 12 goals. The results left Baloch Mujahid top Group 'A', Young Ansari in 2nd, Chanesar Blue 3rd, and Baloch Youth Garden in 4th place, while Group 'B' sees Kalri Star top, Mauripur Baloch 2nd, Al-Shabaz Korangi 3rd, and Shazad Mohammadan 4th.
The quarter finals will be played on 13-15 March, semi-finals on 20th March, and final on 27th March alongside 3rd place game the same day.
8th KARACHI FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2010-2011
Venue: Baloch Mujahid Stadium - Ibrahim Hydri
MATCH NO.89
Baloch Mujahid defeated Karachi United 3-2 (1-0)
Baloch Mujahid 3: M. Hanif 16, M. Rizwan 50, Umer Bakhsh 80
Karachi United 2: Rehand Munir 76, Usman Iqbal 91
Man of the Match M. Hanif (Baloch Mujahid)
MATCH NO.90
Young Ansari beat Malir Union 4-3 (3-2)
Young Ansari 4: Hameed Afridi (4) 29,35,40,58
Malir Union 3: Sheraz Khan 28, Mohammad Asif 39, Abid Ali 83
Man of the Match Hameed Afridi of Young Ansari. Hameed Afridi top scorer of 13 goals including two hat tricks.
Baloch Mujahid, Young Ansari, Chanesar Blue and Baloch Youth Garden qualfied for Quarter final from Group 'A' while Kalri Star, Mauripur Baloch, Al-Shabaz Korangi and Shazad Mohammadan Malir from Group 'B'.
Quarter Finals
1. Mauripur Baloch vs Chanesar Blue on 13.3.2011
2. Baloch Mujahid vs Shazad Mohammadan on 13.3.2011
3. Kalri Star Lyari vs Baloch Youth Garden on 14.3.2011 at 4:00 pm
4. Al-Shabaz Korangi vs Young Ansari on 15.3.2011 at 4:00 pm
RIAZ AHMED - 0300-3926092

Breaking News ! Zesh Rehman joins Thai champions Muangthong United

Thailand Premier League champions Muangthong United signed Bradford City defender Zesh Rehman, 27. He played two season in the Premier League for Fullham then decided to sign a contract with "The Kirins" and terminated a contract with Bradford in January.

General Manager of Muangthong United Mr. Ronnarit Suewaja said "This is another successful for our club by the signing a good player. Zesh Rehman played more than 200 games in the English League and play two season in the Premier League. He played for England U-20 along with Carlton Cole and Nigel Reo-Coker also his leadership as he is a captain for Bradford and Pakistan international.

He hold two citizenships and allows to play AFC Champions League in the Asia quota and will be the most expensive wages for the club. It has not been paying too much when considering that he wants to play for Muangthong. I am confident that the 27-year-old eager to win and want to help the team go to the next level. And Muangthong also close to sign new 2-3 top players soon ".

While Rehman said that he is very excited to join with the Thailand Premier League champions and this is the new challenges. He play in the English League for 10 years and join Fullham academy since the age of 9 years old. He rejected offers from many English clubs to join Muangthong. He went to Yamaha stadium and ensure that all the players in the team want to become the best in Asia. He wants to work hard for Muangthong also for the fans. He can"t wait to play in the new season, meet with his team-mates, coach and the supporters.

Zeshan "Zesh" Rehman; born 14 October 1983. He started his career at Fulham and made a total of 21 league appearances. During his time at Fulham he had loan spells at Brighton & Hove Albion and Norwich City. In 2005 he switched allegiances to Pakistan from England. A transfer to Queens Park Rangers followed and he went on to make 46 appearances for the west London-based club. During his three year stint there he went on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion, Blackpool and Bradford City. The third transfer of his career involved him moving to Bradford on a free transfer in June 2009. So far Rehman has made eight appearances for the Pakistan national team and has participated in the World Cup 2010 qualifiers. Outside of football he is known for being an ambassador for Kick It Out, the Asian Football Network and the Show Racism The Red Card campaign. In addition to this he has appeared on BBC Radio 1Xtra and writes a blog for Setanta Sports.