APL

The first returning game of Roshan Afghan Premier League (RAPL) 2016 semi-final kicked-off by Shaheen Asmayee, the title claimers, and Simorgh Alborz. This was a decisive game to determine one of the candidates for RAPL 2016 final. Despite cruising to 3-2 triumph over Shaheen, Simorgh is not qualified to compete in the final of fifth season. 

Simorgh Alborz clung desperately to a 3-2 lead and played marvelous to overcome the deficit of its semifinal-first leg contest with Shaheen Asmayee during which conceded 8-1 to Shaheen. Simorgh needed an assured 8-0 win for passing to final, yet the wish was not capitalized. 

Shaheen halfheartedly flailed around the pitch despite having obvious talent advantages. For instance, on 13 minutes, Amrudin Sharifi the well-trained striker missed a penalty-kick. But, to bring back the team on the leading loop, Hashamatullah Barekzai rippled the roof of the net on 18 minutes. 

The rest of first-half was followed by unimpressive strikes of both teams, ending 1-0 for Shaheen. Back to second-half, Hamid Habibi netted the second goal on 53 minutes for Shaheen. All other attacks were deterred or failed to make further goals. 

On the other hand, Simorgh Alborz sailed the ball into opponent’s net on 59 minutes to unlock the score sheet. Suhail Hakimi scored the first goal. Then, Roman Sadiqi and Monirulhaq Nadim were in on goals to assure a win on 63 and 70 minutes. 

Both rivals contributed equally in term of game possession, revealed the game statistics. Roman Sadiqi received man of the match award for Simorgh. 

The game ended 3-2 in favor of Simorgh; however, six goals difference prevented Simorgh from advancing to RAPL 2016 finale. Simorgh will play for third place with the defeated team of tomorrow’s match. Mawjhai Amu and De Maiwand Atalan will play tomorrow. 

Shaheen will compete for the RAPL 2016 championship cup for the fourth time in RAPL series. 

The match is available on the RAPL YouTube page (www.youtube.com/afghanpremierleague). More information about RAPL 2016 events can be found on (www.afghanpremierleague.com).