Pakistan Make the Inner City World Cup Finals

Newham based Muslims London APSA represented Pakistan in the Inner City World Cup. Unlike the cricket World Cup they earned themselves an honourable 2-1 defeat against 3 times winners Sierra Leone.

What with it being Pakistan Independence day the day after their final, no doubt they too would have been out on Green St in a full swing Celebration.

Other Asian Teams Bangladesh & Mauritius done well by progressing through to the last 16. Bangladesh were beaten 4-0 by Sierra Leone and Mauritius were beaten 2-0 by Pakistan. India unfortunately collapsed after their 6-0 defeat to Ghana and went home in the group stages along with Sri Lanka.

London APSA playing as Pakistan had high hopes after their 2^nd consecutive win in the Umbro International Tournament also the Essex Business Houses League and Cup Double champions and the Asian Football League champions. Their route was definitely the more difficult as they won their first two group games against Wales and Israel. Wales were dispatched 3-0 and the game against Israel was a good exhibition of Pakistani Football. One may have expected some tension when Muslims and Jews come in contact, but that's the beauty of Football, it helps breaks down barriers. The final game of the groups determined who would win the group. Pakistan seemed to be the stronger side and looked to win the game. A 0-0 draw was the result and enough for Pakistan to win their group and then take on Mauritius.

Ghana who were one game fresher due to Ecuador failing to constitute. They looked to squeeze the Pakistanis into submission with sheer power. Pakistan struggled against last years winners at first but then got going with a lively rhythm. Ghana were now chasing after players and a delightful ball from Khan gave Ahmed the chance to dummy the keeper and tuck away the only goal of the game. Pakistan strived for that elusive 2^nd goal which could win the game for them. Ghana defended well and finally succumbed to a 1-0 defeat.

Another African nation in the Semis for Pakistan. Cameroon didn't look as strong as Ghana but managed to take the early lead. Pakistan struggled under the pressure of being a goal down but a masterful substitution by Anjum Khan gave Waheed the opportunity to win a penalty and eventually win the match for Pakistan. Penalties decided the result. Misses from Shah and Aky were witnessed and 3 great saves from Imran (Asian Football League Keeper of the Season) were enough to secure victory when Karim hit home the last penalty.

THE FINAL - Sierra Leone took on Pakistan in front of huge crowds TV cameras, Sky and the Nike Camera Crew. Pakistan going 1-0 down early but attacking swiftly to make it 1-1. A cracking 25 yard strike from Zaa player of the tournament. A roar of victory from the crowds but alas it was not Pakistans Day as Nadeem came of with a broken wrist and with all the substitutions made Pakistan played with only ten men for the last 10 mins. Sierra Leone made no mistake scoring quickly and shutting up shop to take home the title for another year.

Both Zaa Suleman and Imran Khan were presented with trophies for most outstanding players of the tournament. The team were obviously disappointed but a day or two of rest will no doubt bring realisation of the massive achievement.

Manager Anjum commented on the bravery of his players and their die hard attitude (kadar of Allah) which carried them all the way to the final.