Whoever thought that the final week of regular season would have such matches that shoulder so many implications. We know that Haya and Ikhlas are cemented in their respective seeds; so what about the rest? Emaan, Shukr, Sabr and Ihsan are all fighting for booking their seats to the post season. Three spots are available, and four teams fighting for, it doesn't get any intense than this folks!!!
Although this game for Ikhlas is strictly for their allegiance, it's the perfect opportunity for the Green Machine to play spoilers. Ikhlas was handcuffed in playing with an open net last game and the result was a nasty 6-1 beat down. This is last chance for the green shirts to pack up the season on a winning note. Rumour has it that there's a familiar face between the pipes this week (Ibad won't be there) that might be able to cash out an upset on the Red Army. Can Ikhlas dig deep and conclude this appalling season with a solid team victory?
Ihsan mauled a handicap Ikhlas squad where many players collected petty points, and basically "rehearsed" plays just to entertain the opposition, or even themselves. The weight of this game for Ihsan is costly. A tie won't be feasible for the red shirts so they'll need Ahmad Hathout and Nauman Abbasi to continue playing pivotal roles and grab a win. GM Salman Khalid's team has been through many tussles and are inches away from a playoff spot. Can Ihsan etch their own fate on Friday?
Shukr vs Haya
The Blue Battalion faced Haya for the first time and once again concluded the game in a feisty 1-1 tie. Imran Lakhanpal has been the arena-master since the transition to the larger surface and has been a solid utensil in supporting the offensive department. Although Shukr had waves of chances on overthrowing Haya, they've still got to find a way to win this Friday. Another tie would suffice the blue shirts but a win would be better. Can Shukr solve the number one team?
Haya's unbeaten streak stretches to three games and could prolong to four if they can solve Khalid Mufti and company. The Misty Marauders tanked the blue shirts and came out firing on all cylinders, launching an explosive 24 shots on Shukr. Contrarily, Yusuf Kapoor made some dazzling saves and helped his squad to collect another point. This week's rematch with team grey is all about spoilers. A win for Haya could keep Shukr on the edge of their seats. Will Haya be able to eclipse Shukr's tenacious squad?
Sabr vs Emaan
A win during dire times is purely rewarding and for Sabr to deliver what they did last Friday is pretty ballsy. However, is Sabr buying time or are these guys the real deal? Like Emaan, the yellow shirts will need to be hellbent with their motives and tame the neutral zone battle versus orange. Zaid Toorawa potted two goals for his team while the remainder of Sabr played a sound and disciplined game. Is this the resurrection of Too-Too? Can Sabr make it to the post season?
There's a rumour orbiting that Emaan thought they clinched a playoff birth prior to playing Sabr. Wake up my Emaan brothers! You're as vulnerable as the other three teams fighting alongside side you. Netminder Sadiq Rehman will need to be a man on a mission and try to steal Friday night's game. Conversely, Waqar Khan and company will need to find a way to bandaid any backend blemishes. Will Emaan be able to avenge their loss to the yellow shirts? Or will Emaan end up looking from outside in?
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