Hafiz Ahmed backs squad to come back stronger following spot-kick disappointment

Manor Youth under-14s had to endure more heartbreak last weekend as they lost the Passmore Edwards Cup final to Salaam Peace following an 11-10 defeat on penalties.

The game at Wanstead Flats produced plenty of drama, as Hafiz Ahmed’s talented young side were unable to secure more silverware.

Manor Youth fell behind midway through the first half when Salaam Peace took the lead from a free kick.

After squandering several good chances, Tanimur Rahman managed to equalise for Manor Youth two minutes before full-time.

Shafiq Shipkoylee linked up with Juned Ahmed and he set up Rahman for a close range finish, which sent the final to a penalty shoot-out.

After several excellent spot-kicks, Taher Mahmood was the unlucky player to fail to find the net from 12-yards.

It meant Manor Youth suffered more penalty woe and this time in the most dramatic of fashions after a 11-10 shoot-out.

Manor Youth’s under-14 manager Ahmed praised the spirit of his team after the final and insisted the bitter pill to swallow would make them better players.

He said: “We put up such a strong fight, but I guess these things happen in football.

“It can only make us stronger, these boys obviously deserved more than this, but I’m sure right now it’s going to build a lot of character and build their desire to win.

“The boys know we have such strong unity within the squad and I’m certain they will bounce back.

‘We have a long pre-season ahead and if you look back we only started eight months ago and we have come so far.

“I’m sure these boys will look back and reflect on what an amazing season we had together.

“I think these losses are all just part of the journey and we move on and look forward to the future.”

Ahmed’s team will now enjoy five weeks off before returning for pre-season training on Monday June 26.

Manor Youth: Ivan Pecha, Abaan Patel, Mahin Rahman, Danny McGuiness, Aswad Muhammed, Shafiiq Shipkoylee, Ifaz Sheikh, Hamza Yunus, Rafi Hussain, Nashwaan Rashidi, Taher Mahmood, Rafi Hossain, Mohammed Naim, Shueb Rahman, Nurul Islam, Juned Ahmed. Zain Khan. Antonio Molnos, Tanimur Rahman.