- The Ikhlas-Sabr game has the Prime-Time spot tonight. It is fitting for what is at stake: 1) An Ikhlas win and they qualify for the playoffs, 2) A Sabr win and they qualify for the playoffs, or 3) a tie and Sabr must win their final game against Emaan to make the postseason. Both teams control their own fate with a win tonight.
- It is expected that Zayd Agjee will be in net for Ikhlas. He was brought in for this very moment, to help get Ikhlas to the playoffs. So far, critics have questioned why bring him in as a replacement if he isn’t going to show up to majority of the games. Now the pressure is on Agjee, he either leaves this week as the ‘hero’ or a ‘bust’.
- In an ironic twist, Nadir Ahmed has been called up as a replacement goalie for Sabr. The irony is that Ikhlas had Nadir Ahmed fill in for them for their earlier encounter with Sabr. Nadir played well as the game ended in a 1-1 tie. Some of the Sabr players described his performance that night “Carey Pricesque”. Now Sabr is hoping to turn the tables around on Ikhlas and hoping that Nadir can come through for them. It should also be noted that Nadir Ahmed was also called up for Ihsan earlier this season as he help them get a 3-2 victory of Emaan.
- According to the poll administered in the week, majority feel Yasir Malik or Rizwan Malik will get the GWG. Two unlikely candidates, but you never know what can happen in these types of games. The stage is set for anyone to become the hero.
- Ikhlas has been shutout in back to back games, first by Yaqeen and last week by Emaan. If this streak stretches to three games they can pack up their hockey equipment for the rest of the season.
- A big reason why Ikhlas was shutout in their game against Emaan last week was the play of Ahmad Mobin. His 27 save shut-out performance is most shots faced by any goaltender this season, earning him First Star Honors.
-Speaking of shutouts, Yusuf Kapoor (Yaqeen) now leads the league with three. Yaqeen has not given up a goal in their last two matches. In addition, Faraz Alvi’s two goals and an assist gave him the third star honours.
- It looks like the league’s decision to invest in goalie equipment is paying for itself. You know who also was a goalie last week? Zia Ali of Ihsan! When Zaid Majoo was late for his game, Ali strapped up to avoid his team playing with an empty net. He held his own and helped Ihsan salvage at least a point against Shukr. Ihsan supporters on twitter has enshrined him with the nickname, “Neo”, with reference to Keanu Reeves’ character from the Matrix franchise. This appropriately encompasses Zia’s IT profession and MMA passion.
- Staying on that Ihsan-Shukr game: Hany Soliman’s 2 goals and 1 assist got him recognized as last week’s 2nd star. Also Arif Bijabhai’s 2 goal performance moved him into a tie for the goal-scoring lead. He now must hope that Waqar Khan (Emaan) and Humza Chaudhry (Yaqeen) do not find twine in their respective games as Shukr has wrapped up their season.
- The door has cracked open ever so slightly for Emaan to displace Ihsan from the summit of the standings. Regardless of the outcome of Ihsan’s last game against Haya if Emaan can win their remaining games they will finish first overall.
- On this note, it is still plausible for Yaqeen to grab the top spot. However first they must defeat Emaan tonight.
- Yo Haya players, time to wake up and start taking things more seriously.
- Shukr does not play again until the playoffs. However, rumor has it that Arif Bihabhai will be away travelling at that time. If true this is a huge blow for Shukr but last Spring Season, Shukr was in the same position with goalie Yasir Hussain whom Coach K convinced to alter travel arrangements to a family wedding in Chicago to play in the Semi-Finals.
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