THE SYSTEM OF LEFT WING

CHAPTER 7:MATCH TO LEAGUE

Promotion match day. Reserves vs Second Division Team.

Not First Team yet. Second Division team from Islamabad. If we win, we get selected for Second Division League. Salary 1,00,000. Then after good performance, we think about next step.

Stadium full. Second Division coach from Lahore sitting in VIP box.

First half was disaster.

Kickoff, Second Division scored in 5 minutes. Ahmed headed corner. 1-0.

15th minute, Rohan ran past our left back, crossed, Umar scored. 2-0.

Our Reserves players lost confidence. Our captain shouting but no use. At half time, score 2-0 down. Coach German angry: "You play like school boys!"

I sat on bench, looking at my boots. My goal flashed in mind: *BECOME THE BEST FOOTBALLER IN THE WORLD*. I cannot lose this match. My family responsibility is on my shoulders now. Ammi, Abba, Zara, Bilal Bhai - all depend on me.

Coach said: "Amar, you go in. Change game."

Second half started. I told my teammates: "Give me ball. I will bring us back."

55th minute: I got ball on right wing. Rohan came to defend. I did cut inside, left him on ground. I passed to striker, he scored. 2-1!

Second Division players shocked. Ahmed shouted: "Stop him!"

65th minute: They tried to stop me with 2 players. I nutmegged Ahmed, ran past Rohan, shot from 25 meters. Top corner! GOAL! 2-2!

Stadium exploded. 200 people shouting "AMAR! AMAR!"

My panel glowed in air:

*[SKILL: DRIBBLING 90 ACTIVATED]*

*[SKILL: LONG SHOT 85 ACTIVATED]*

*[COMEBACK MODE: ON]*

80th minute: Score still 2-2. Second Division coach standing up, watching me closely.

Last 5 minutes. Corner for Second Division. Their captain Umar went for header, but missed. Our keeper caught ball, threw long to me. I was at midfield. 50 meters to goal. 3 Second Division defenders running behind me.

I remembered Wah mud ground, POF gate, Bilal Bhai's bike shop, Zara smiling with new bag, Ammi's prayers.

I ran. Speed 88. I left Ahmed behind. Left Rohan behind. Umar tried slide tackle, I jumped over.

One defender left, goalkeeper came out. I chipped ball over keeper. Ball slowly going into net. GOAL! 3-2!

Final whistle. We won 3-2 after losing 0-2!

We were losing, but I turned it alone.

Second Division coach from Lahore came running to ground. He hugged Coach German: "That number 12 boy. Name?"

German: "Amar. From Wah Cantt."

Coach Lahore: "He is selected for Second Division from tomorrow. Not for top team yet. He needs more experience. His skills are for big stage, but time will come."

Our whole Reserves team lifted me on shoulders. Ahmed came, shook hand: "You deserved. You turned losing game alone."

Rohan gave his wristband: "Keep. For luck in Second Division."

After match, I called home. Abba picked: "Beta result?"

I said: "Abba, we were losing 0-2. I scored 2 goals and gave 1 assist. We won 3-2. I am selected for Second Division. Salary 1,00,000."

Abba cried: "My son! From losing to winning! You carry family responsibility so well!"

Zara shouted: "Bhai you are hero!"

Bilal Bhai took phone: "Tomorrow shop closed. We go Islamabad to watch your Second Division debut."

I went to roof at night. Looked at stars.

I whispered: "We were losing in life too. Everyone laughing. But I turned it. Just like today match. Next step Second Division, then top team, then Pakistan, then World. I will become best footballer in the world. For my family."

Panel appeared final:

*[MISSION COMPLETE: COMEBACK WIN 3-2]*

*[PROMOTED: SECOND DIVISION TEAM]*

*[NEW SALARY: 1,00,000]*

*[NOT TOP TEAM YET - EARN IT]*

*[NEXT MISSION: CHAPTER 8 - SECOND DIVISION DEBUT VS LAHORE]*

I slept with Second Division jersey. Blue and white, number 12, name AMAR on back.

Tomorrow, Second Division. Lahore vs Islamabad. My debut.