Fazeel, Tariq bang hat-trick as Maldives rout Afghanistan 9-1
8-nation SAF Football Champtionship
From Zeeshan Mirza

KARACHI—Last championship runners-up, Maldives got off to a sterling start in the 8-nation SAF Football Championship when they routed Afghanistan 9-1 in the opening match of at Peoples Sports Complex Wednesday thanks to hat-tricks from Fazeel Ibrahim and Tariq Ahmed.
The nibble-footed Fazeel Ibrahim starred in his team’s grand triumph, slamming the goals in 27th, 49th and 60 minute to leave the Afghan defence in disarray.
Tariq, who opened the scoring with a header in the second minute, netted the second seconds before the interval and added third four minute from the hooter.
Ashfaq Ahmed got a brace of goals in 33rd minute of the first session and grabbed the second at fag end of the match while Umar Ali scored the other goal. Sayed Maqsood scored the consolation goal in 33rd minute.
The win gave Maldives full three points and high goal average in group “B”.
Maldivians dominated the match from start to finish with high quality brand of soccer as Afghanistan defenders struggled and looked hapless in group “B” match.
Team from tiny islands with populations of over 300,000 showed their huge footballing talent which kept Afghan team under great pressure.
Striker Tariq Ahmed put the first blood when his lovely header landed in the cage in the second minute.
Sindh Governor Dr.Ishrat-ul-Ebad inaugurated the championship at a formal ceremony. President, Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Faisal Saleh Hayat, President South Asian Football Federation Ganesh Thapa, Sindh Sports Minister Qamar and other officials were also present on the occasion.