Madhu Mohammadan FC Gulshan Iqbal claimed victory in the 3rd Naya Nazimabad Ramadan Floodlights Football Tournament, defeating Shafi Mohammadan FC Lyari FC 5-4 in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
The exciting final saw Ali Khan score the first goal for Shafi Mohammadan Lyari FC in the 10th minute, energizing the spectators. However, Madhu Muhammadan’s Shah Jahan equalized in the 28th minute, shifting the momentum.
The match continued back-and-forth, with Shafi Mohammadan regaining the lead in the 38th minute, thanks to a goal by Furqan Ahmed. However, Madhu Mohammadan responded quickly, with Muawiya equalizing three minutes later. The first half ended with a 2-2 tie.
Although Shafi Mohammadan had the chance to take the lead through a penalty kick in the second half, they failed to capitalize on the opportunity. With neither team scoring in the second half, the game proceeded to a penalty shootout. Madhu Muhammadan triumphed 5-4 to secure the championship.
Both teams had impressive paths to the final, with Madhu Mohammaddan defeating FC Karachi 3-0 and Shafi Mohammadan besting Bengal Tigers Korangi 6-5 on penalty kicks in their respective semi-final matches.
Former Test cricketer and national cricket team selector Muhammad Sami presented the prizes to the players during the closing ceremony. Madhu Mohammedan received Rs 250,000 and a trophy as the winner, while the runner-up, Shafi Muhammadan, was awarded Rs 200,000.
Shah Jahan of Madhu Muhammadan earned the best player award and a bike, while Amir David received the emerging player award. Furqan Baloch won the top scorer award, and Muhammad Sameer was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper. In addition, Malir Shaheen FC was presented with the fair play trophy.
Dignitaries present at the closing ceremony included Chairman Naya Nazimabad Arif Habib, President Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana Syed Muhammad Talha, South Asian Games gold medalist sprinter Naseem Hameed, singer Hassan Jahangir, CEO Hassan Property Tariq Iqbal, Sports Officer District Central Hajra Nawab, Tournament Director Nasir Ismail, and Manager Sports Muhammad Asif, among others.
