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Football - National

FOOTBALL - National 16 Sep, 2024

PFF announces squad for SAFF U17 Men’s Championship in Bhutan

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) named a 23-member squad for the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-17 Men’s Championship 2024 scheduled to be held in Bhutan from September 20 to 30, 2024.The green shirts will kick off their campaign against Nepal on September 21 at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, the host Bhutan on September 23, and Sri Lanka on September 25 at the same venue. Pakistan are placed in Group B with Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka while India Maldives and Bangladesh are in Group A.Sajjad Mehmood will serve as the head coach with Hassan Baloch assisting him as the assistant coach and Nouman Ibrahim taking on the role of goalkeeping coach.Names of selected players: Abdul Rehman, Mohammad Husnain Saleem, Najeem Khan, Sameer Ahmed, Ubaid Ullah Khan, Majid Ali, Syed Mohammad Aabis Raza and Umar Javed (Defenders), Abdul Samad, Mohammad Faraz, Farhad, Haroon Rashed, Hikmat Ullah, Khobaib Khan, Mohammad Shahab Ahmed and Mohammad Khan (Midfielders), Abdul Ghani, Subhan Karim, Shahraf Khan and Muhammad Talha Khan (Forwards), Aadil Ali Khan, Ghulam Abbas and Kashif (Goalkeepers).

FOOTBALL - National 13 Aug, 2024

Pakistan International Veterans Football Mela Kicks Off on August 14

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The 6th Pakistan International Veterans Football Mela is set to kick off on Wednesday (August 14, 2024) here at Jallo Park, marking another exciting chapter in a celebration of veteran football in Pakistan. In a press conference, Sardar Naveed Haider Khan, joined by Chairman veteran football body Mian Abbas and international football legends Ghulam Abbas Tedi and Imtiaz Butt, shared their enthusiasm for this year’s event. "This annual event is held to commemorate Pakistan's Independence Day, and this year, we are proud to host the sixth edition of the tournament," said Sardar. "Top international veteran footballers from Pakistan will showcase their skills in this prestigious competition, featuring nine teams including Balochistan, Sindh, Bahawalpur, Sialkot, Lahore, Faisalabad, Chitral, Peshawar, and Pindi. All matches will be played under floodlights, with the final scheduled for August 18 at the same venue," he added. Mian Abbas highlighted the significant contributions of the Pakistan Veterans Football body, noting that district veteran football clubs have been established nationwide. These clubs are instrumental in keeping veteran players fit, nurturing new talent, and preparing them for national representation. "Our goal is to give back to the country by developing a strong football nursery," he asserted. Mian Abbas also expressed his vision for veteran football, inspired by the recognition given to football legends worldwide. "Seeing veterans from other countries honored even after retirement motivated me to focus on veteran football. With support from fellow veterans and legends, we have created a platform where veterans remain active and also mentor young players. We are working towards having our veteran players participate in international series and even the veteran football World Cup," Mian Abbas said. Ghulam Abbas Tedi, reflecting on his experiences visiting different regions of Pakistan, praised the growing involvement of veteran footballers. "It's encouraging to see so many veterans actively participating in the sport and mentoring youngsters. This bodes well for the future of veteran football in Pakistan," Tedi remarked. Imtiaz Butt expressed gratitude to the media for their support in promoting veteran football. "The media's role in highlighting veteran football is crucial, and I am proud to run an academy in Faisalabad that engages veteran players in healthy activities while also training young footballers. Under the leadership of Mian Abbas and Sardar Naveed Haider Khan, I am confident that veteran football will continue to flourish in Pakistan," Imtiaz Butt concluded.

FOOTBALL - National 11 Aug, 2024

National Women's Club Championship 2024: Karachi City lift title

Karachi City beat Legacy FC 4-0 in the final, Rameen, Sarah, Zahmena, and Zulfia score goalsAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Karachi City Football Club have won the title of the National Women's Football Club Championship 2024 after thrashing Legacy FC 4-0 in a single-sided final at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex on Saturday night. In the first half, Karachi City FC took a 2-0 lead over Legacy FC. Rameen Farid scored the first goal for Karachi City FC in the 14th minute, followed by Sarah's goal in the 28th minute. The team's momentum continued in the second half, with Zahmena scoring the third goal in the 52nd minute. Zulfia sealed the victory with the fourth goal in the 75th minute. The winning team received a cash prize of Rs 1 million, while the runner-up earned Rs 500,000. The third-place team, Karachi United, took home Rs 300,000, and the Fair Play award went to Hazara Quetta, who were awarded Rs 200,000. Nadia Khan from Karachi City was honoured as the best player of the tournament, Nisha Ashraf from Karachi City was named the best goalkeeper, and Eman Mustafa was recognized as the top scorer with 8 goals. The final was attended by a distinguished group of guests, including Haroon Malik, Chairman of the Pakistan Football Federation NC, Senior member of PFF NC Mohammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar, Lahore Qalandars CEO and owner Atif Rana, PHF President Tariq Bugti, MNA Jamal Raeesani and a large audience of football enthusiasts.

FOOTBALL - National 09 Aug, 2024

National Women's Football: Legacy FC, Karachi City reach the final

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Legacy FC and Karachi City FC have secured their spots in the final of the National Women's Football Club Championship 2024, following their impressive performances in the semi-final matches held at Jinnah Sports Complex, Islamabad. Karachi City FC will face Legacy FC in the final on Saturday (August 10, 2024), at 8:30 pm at the same venue.In the first semi-final, Legacy FC showcased their dominance on the field with a resounding 6-0 victory over Karachi United. Eman Mustafa was the star of the match, delivering an outstanding performance with four goals. Kayanat Bukhari also contributed significantly, scoring a brace to secure the win for Legacy FC.The second semi-final saw Karachi City FC display their prowess, overwhelming Hazara Quetta with an 8-0 triumph. Zahmena Malik and Suha Hirani each scored a brace, while Nadia, Zulfia, Sanah and Aliza added a goal each, ensuring Karachi City FC's place in the final.

FOOTBALL - National 07 Aug, 2024

National Women's Football Club Championship 2024

Karachi United, Legacy FC, Karachi City FC, and Hazara Quetta WFC qualify for semifinalsSports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Karachi United, Legacy FC, Karachi City FC, and Hazara Quetta WFC moved into the semifinals of the National Women's Football Club Championship 2024 after winning their respective matches at Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Wednesday.Legacy FC showcased their dominance with a 3-0 victory over TWK. Eman, Kayanat, and Alina each scored a goal, demonstrating their exceptional skills and teamwork.In the last group match of the final stage, Hazara FC faced off against Highlanders FC in a closely contested battle. Hazara FC emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. Farishta and Sadiqa were the goal scorers for Hazara, while Sosan opened the scoring for the Highlanders.Karachi United will face Legacy FC in the first semi-final of the National Women's Football Club Championship 2024 on August 8 at 5:30 PM at Jinnah Football Stadium, Islamabad followed by the second semi-final between Karachi City FC and Hazara Quetta WFC at 8:30 PM.

FOOTBALL - National 22 Jul, 2024

Women's Football Club Championship kicks off in four cities

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The National Women's Football Club Championship 2024 commenced with a thrilling first day, featuring five matches across four cities.In the first match held in Lahore, TWK delivered a commanding performance against YRS WFC, securing an emphatic 21-0 victory. Legacy WFC displayed their dominance in the second match in Islamabad, overwhelming Smurfs WFC with a remarkable 9-0 win.Karachi hosted two big matches. In the third match, Karachi City WFC achieved a historic victory by defeating Jahangir Memorial WFC with a phenomenal score of 44-0. The fourth match saw Karachi United WFC, triumphing over Young Muslim WFC with a decisive 9-0 victory.In the final match of the day held in Quetta, Hazara Quetta Women FC showcased their skill by defeating Balochistan WFC with a convincing 8-0 score.

FOOTBALL - National 12 Jul, 2024

PFF announces Women’s Football Club Championship schedule

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the schedule of the National Women’s Football Club Championship 2024, as this premier women’s football event will feature initial rounds in four cities: Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and Quetta from July 21 to July 26, 2024. According to an official of PFF, three teams including TWK FC, Real Lahore WFC, and Young Rising Stars FC will compete in Lahore. Four teams, Balochistan WFC, Quetta Women FC, Hazara Quetta Women FC, and Hazara United FC, will play against eachother in Quetta.In Islamabad, six teams will vie for the final round. Legacy WFC, Gilgit WFC, and Smurfs WFC will be in Group A while Group B will consist of Highlanders WFC, Strikers WFC, and Nawansher United FC.The championship's final round will take place in Islamabad from August 1 to August 10, 2024. The top teams from 8 groups will compete for the coveted title. The semi-final is scheduled for August 8 and the final will be held on August 10 at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad.Karachi will host 13 teams, divided into four groups.Group A: Karachi United FC, MUK WFC, Young Muslim FCGroup B: Karachi City WFC, Mohsen Gillani WFC, Jahangir MemorialGroup C: Dya WFC, Overseas WFC, Baloch Muhammadan WFCGroup D: Jafa WFC, Karachi Women FC, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto WFC, Hazara Girls FC

FOOTBALL - National 20 May, 2024

National football team training camp kicks off in Islamabad

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Pakistan national football team has started an intensive training camp in Islalamabd as the national side gears up for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Round 2 home match against Saudi Arabia on June 6 in Islamabad followed by an away match in Tajikistan on June 11.Head coach Stephen Constantine is leading the team's efforts, focusing on refining their skills and tactics for the encounter against one of the football powerhouses (Saudi Arabia). Goalkeeping coaches Rogerio Ramos and Noman Ibrahim have been dedicating their efforts to the goalkeepers, while fitness coach Claudio Altieri is ensuring peak performance in preparation for the crucial match.Names of Pakistani players:Goalkeepers: Hassan Ali, Tanveer Ahmed Defenders: Haseeb Khan, Mamoon Moosa Khan, Huzaifa, Waqar Ihtisham, Abdul Rehman, Umar Hayat, Mohammad Adeel, Mohammad Saddam, Zain ul AbideenMidfielders: Yasir Arafat, Alamgir Ghazi, Ali Uzair, Rajab Ali, Moin Ali, Junaid Ahmed and FahimForwards: Adeel Younas, Shayak Dost, Ali Zafar and Fareedullah.The names of diaspora players who will join the national training camp later will be included in the final squad.

FOOTBALL - National 11 May, 2024

National Challenge Cup: WAPDA, SA Garden to meet in final on Sunday

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: SA Garden, and WAPDA set to meet in the final of the National Challenge Cup 2023 on Sunday (May 12, 2024) at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad. The match will be played under floodlights, as the contest will kick-off at 8:30 pm.In the first semi-final, SA Garden overcame HEC in a tense penalty shootout, securing a 3-2 victory. Despite two additional 15-minute periods after regulation time, the match remained deadlocked. SA Garden's goalkeeper, Salman Kaka, emerged as a hero with a crucial save during the penalty shootout, propelling his team into the final.

FOOTBALL - National 05 May, 2024

Army, HEC, Navy, KRL qualify for Quarterfinals of NCC 2023 final round

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army and Higher Education Commission (HEC) from Group A, Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), and the Pakistan Navy from Group B have advanced to the Quarterfinals of the 2023 National Challenge Cup (NCC).Four matches were played on the fifth day of the National Challenge Cup (NCC) 2023 final round at Jinnah Sports Complex, Islamabad.In the first match, the Pakistan Army emerged triumphant against NIMSO with a 3-0 win, courtesy of Anees's two goals and Hassan's one. In the second match, Pakistan Navy secured a 3-0 victory over SA Farms. Nauman, Farhanullah and Naveed contributed with one goal each.In the third match, HEC beat PACA with 1-0. The only goal of the match was scored by Haleem. In the fourth match, KRL edged past Masha United with a scoreline of 4-0. Shahzaib, Najeebullah, Waheed and Ali Agha scored a piece for KRL.