A spectacular save from goalkeeper Imtiaz Mohammed in the penalty shootout gave Ponsonby its third consecutive win in the Third International FANCA Muslim Club Championship held early this month.
The team defeated hosts Nadi in a nail biting final held in Nadi, Fiji.
A Jan Group sponsored the Tournament.
Both teams remained scoreless at the end of the match, which led to extra time play of two, ten-minute spells.
The uneven ground condition coupled with the traditional western heat took the toll on the players, as the tempo of the match slowed in the second extra spell.
The penalty shootout went 5-4 in favour of Ponsonby.
Mohammed was named the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament and hailed ‘Hero of Ponsonby,’ after making the crucial save, which denied the hosts the win.
“We did not have much time to prepare for this Tournament. We are grateful to Nadi for a splendid performance.
“I also commend the players for their superb effort and our team officials and supporters for their involvement,” Sameer Ali of Ponsonby Team said.
He thanked the management of Mangere United for releasing players for this tournament.
“It has been a tough Tournament, since it is not easy to play so matches within a space of four days,” he said.
Papatoetoe was voted the ‘Most Disciplined Team,’ while 13-year-old Zahir Nawaz of Sydney Rewa received the ‘Youngster Player Award.’
Kwesi Dadzie of Ponsonby was rated the “Best Defender.’
Rizwan Jannif of Nadi received the ‘Best Player’ Award.
FANCA officials and Members of the national body were also honoured with medals and plaques in recognition of their services.
Tournament official Mohammed Sattar said the tournament was a great success.
