The Winning Goal

This year 64 teams from various Islamic Societies, around the UK and Ireland, took part in the FOSIS National Cup qualifying rounds of which 16 of the best teams from their respective regions battled it out at the University of Nottingham during the finals in April 2008. After a lot of hitting and bashing of the football and other players, the players from Coventry University were able to make their mark and take home the well deserved FOSIS National Cup 2008 Trophy.

Haroon Mota from Coventry University tells the story:

After topping the group in the qualifying stages, the team from Coventry University were matched up against Keele in the quarter finals. Keele took an undeserved early lead, which left us pushing in desperation for a goal. We failed to equalise after being awarded a penalty, which was saved by their keeper. Our dream of silver wear seemed to be ever elusive, until Kasim Zahur equalised with a left footed shot in the last second of the game. Hence, the game was to be decided on penalties, and thanks to our goalkeeper's great distracting skills; Keele having struck the bar with their 2nd penalty, and we hitting the net with every penalty, we reched the semi finals.

We faced Birmingham in the semis, who had just knocked out the midland champs, Nottingham Trent in their quarter finals. After a slow start we were stranded at 1-1 for a long period in the 1st half, but as soon as we got the breakthrough, the goals couldn't be stopped. Khurram scored a hatrick and we ended up thrashing Birmingham 6-1, ready and gunning for the finals.

We faced Leeds, a very strong and skilful team, full of Arab brothers (all Zidanes. lol!). Leeds took the lead after we were guilty of some sloppy defending. We went into the 2nd half chasing for an equaliser, and thanks to some heroic saves from our goalkeeper (me), we were still in the game, determined to get that goal. Eventually, super sub Amad came off the bench to score 2 goals putting us on the path of victory. Leeds piled on the pressure and began over committing, which left us with several good chances that we failed to take advantage of. Amad almost scored a great hatrick when he lobbed the keeper from 25 yards, only to see his chip shot bounce off the cross bar. There was controversy, when the referee failed to blow the final whilst, allowing Leeds more time to recover. Leeds almost equalised in the dying seconds when our goalkeeper pulled off a great save to deny a point blank header, which left the Leeds players with hands on heads. And, when the whistle blew, it was pandemonium.

We were crowned FOSIS National Champions 2008!

Congratulations and thanks to our amazing squad:

Kasim Zahur
Stephane
Faisal
Faisal R
Khurram I
Ahmed Sow
Amad Harhara
Adam Hersi
Mourad al Zidane (who helped us qualify in the regional tournament and couldn't attend today)
...oh, and I forgot, myself :)

Wa alaykum salaam warah matullahi wabarakatuh!

Please email us at info@fosis.org.uk if you would like to get involved with FOSIS Sports for next year.