The Etihad Stadium roared like a living ocean.
Blue flags waved in every corner, drums thundered from the South Stand, and camera flashes sparkled like stars. Khali stood on the sideline, his heart pounding faster than the stadium speakers blasting "Blue Moon."
In front of him, the officials raised the substitution board:
🟢 17 — Kevin De Bruyne🔴 28 — Khali Ibrahim
The moment he'd pictured since he was a boy on dusty fields in Maiduguri was finally here.
"Go show them why you belong," De Bruyne said, giving Khali a clap on the shoulder."Thank you," Khali replied, trying to steady his shaking breath.
As Khali crossed the touchline, the stadium erupted — some fans even chanting his name, "KHAA-LI! KHAA-LI!" His boots kissed the grass, holy ground to every footballer. The scoreboard showed:
Manchester City 1 – 1 Liverpool70:00 minutes
This wasn't just a game. It was the Derby of England's Titans — his debut test.
Coach Pep shouted from the sideline:"Play free! Trust yourself!"
Khali nodded. He slipped into midfield, eyes scanning the pitch — Salah lurking on the right, Van Dijk towering in defense. No fear. Just focus.
City regained possession. Rodri slid the ball to Khali.And time… slowed.
Khali took his first touch — smooth. His second — a sharp turn that sent Mac Allister the wrong way. The crowd gasped. The rhythm returned. He was in the flow.
He threaded a pass through two defenders to Haaland's feet, quicker than a blink.
"YESSS Khali!" Haaland barked, thumbs up.
Confidence surged.He belonged here.
A Familiar Face in Red
Minutes later, Liverpool prepared a counterattack. A sub waited on the opposite touchline. Khali's eyes widened when he saw the number:
29 — Bello MusaLiverpool
Bello grinned, but there was no warmth in it.
From teammates to rivals.From best friends to enemies tonight.
He jogged past Khali and whispered:
"Let's see who the world remembers."
Khali held his gaze."That's what I'm here for."
The whistle blew. The duel began.
Bello's speed threatened City's left side — electricity in red boots. Khali chased him down, blocking a dangerous pass. Bello smirked:
"You've improved."
Khali replied, breath steady:"And I'm still climbing."
The Moment
87th minute. Tie game. City pushed forward.
Khali received the ball at the edge of the box. A defender lunged — he flicked the ball over his leg with a daring rainbow touch. The stadium rose to its feet.
He curled a shot — fingertip save by the keeper!Rebound loose!
Haaland CLEANED it up — GOOOOAAALLLL!!
The Etihad exploded.
Haaland hugged him. "Assist, bro! You made that!"
The cameras zoomed to Khali — smiling, overwhelmed, the noise shaking his bones.
After the Whistle
Final score:
Manchester City 2 – 1 Liverpool
Bello walked off head low, frustration written across his face. He paused beside Khali, voice low:
"This isn't over."
Khali smiled — fearless now:"It's only the beginning."
As he lifted his eyes to the cheering fans chanting his name, he knew:
He had stepped into greatness.
And this rivalry — on and off the pitch — was going to become legendary.