Mapeto Tyres grab Avis Futsal crown
Mapeto Tyres have become the inaugural champions of Avis Malawi Futsal Tournament following a 7-1 victory over FC Pacific in the final at Mpingwe Sports Club (MSC) in Blantyre on Sunday.
Muhamed Faruk, who was top goal scorer with 15 goals in the three-day contest, did the damage for Mapeto; scoring four goals in the final to confine Pacific to their worst defeat of the K250 000 (about $17) 12-team event.
Mapeto also had Talha Vali named goalkeeper of the tournament for producing a number of incredible saves in the final.
“We are very excited that we are the champions. It is quite satiating that we managed to be dominant in all our games,” said Mapeto Tyres captain Nabeel Latif.
His FC Pacific counterpart Sufyan Omar attributed his team’s defeat to fatigue, saying his charges were not able to cope with pressure of playing a number of fast-paced games in a day.
Avis Malawi managing director Munir Omar said they were happy with the conduct of both the teams and the organisers and “we look forward to more of such support in sports.”
MSC secretary Wasim Mussa thanked Avis and the 12 team sponsors for making the tournament possible at the club. He also recognised MSC sports director and executive member Abdul Wahab Jagot for initiating the idea of coming up with the contest and wooing sponsors.
On his part, Wahab Jagot said the soccer event was aimed at showing the world that the club is not only a place for hosting cricket matches. He said soon they will host hockey and volleyball competitions.
Team sponsors were Blantyre-based Mapeto Tyres, FC Pacific, MH Drillers, Daysons, Saimfur Freight, Vendors Den, Sayani Enterprise, Africa Wholesalers, Kips Restaurant and Bash United. Natsons sponsored the Lilongwe team while Mkango Wholesalers supported Zomba side.
Futsal is a form of football played indoor with five players per side.n
