02/04/2016
London APSA Captain Akram Miah, came to the rescue for his side as his stoppage time free kick put the Newham side into the Football For Change Cup final to book a place in Mile End Stadium against MP FC, after winning the semi final second leg 1-0 against St Joseph Colts.
After the first leg finished 1-1 in South-west London last week and Akram Miah getting the late equalizer in that game too after St Josephs were a goal ahead, London APSA made sure they took full advantage when the visitors came to East London in a closely fought game. St Josephs began the game on a high and could of taken the lead when they was awarded a penalty in the early stages, but APSA keeper Shafiiq Shipkoylee made sure that didn't happen as he got a finger tip on the ball to save the spot kick.
The APSA keeper was doing a fine job in goal as he saved 3 clear chances soon after the penalty by denying the St Joseph strikers to score, APSA maintained control of the game after 15 minutes and settled really well with a few chances most notably Taher Mahmood's 1 on 1 with the keeper which went wide.
It was end to end after 30 minutes gone with both teams giving it everything in the remainder of the first half, with both teams defenses making good clearances which made it difficult to get past and have a shot on target for either side.
Second half begun in an even fierce manner, both teams knew a goal would be enough to settle the tie. St Josephs came close twice from a corner which the St Josephs striker hit wide and a free kick which was saved by Shaffiq Shipkoylee safely. APSA on the other hand had the better chances they had 2 clear opportunities to score but couldn't take either as APSA striker Osman Rahman didn't have the finishing touch to score and extra time seemed like it was coming.
It was down to last minute of the game and both teams were throwing everything, while St Jospehs were pushing men forward, APSA were on the break and Akram Miah was accelerating forward after taking on 2 St Josephs defenders he was fouled by the third and the referee blew for a free kick to APSA in the last seconds of the game.
APSA skipper Akram Miah stepped up to take it, it was now or never for the manor park boys, his free kick hit the top right corner and went in, it was 1-0 to APSA who went on to win the game 2-1 on aggregate.
The skipper was delighted to win in this fashion and stated 'It was a tough game but our team gave everything, it was always going to be the best team who wins in the end and I think we were the best team tonight but the hard work dont stop here, we still have a final to look forward to and hopefully another trophy!'
Manager Hafiz Ahmed who was looking forward to the final said 'Just like how Akram said the hard work don't stop here, we worked really hard for this win and we are going to make sure we give everything in the final, the boys have worked really hard in this game I couldn't ask for more and I 100% believe with this performance today these boys can go all the way'.
The final will be played at Mile End Stadium, date and time to be confirmed soon.
