National Challenge Cup: PIA win semi against WAPDA on penalties

KRL defeat Army in second encounter of the day.


Our Correspondent April 26, 2015
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KARACHI: PIA overcame Wapda in a thrilling NBP National Football Challenge Cup semi-final after winning a penalty shootout 5-4 at the Railways Stadium in Lahore on Sunday.

PIA, who defeated tournament favourites K-Electric 3-1 in the quarter-final, continued with their form and battled against former Pakistan Premier Football League (PPF) champions Wapda despite suffering injuries before half time.

Both sides played out a goalless first-half before PIA’s Muhammad Riaz struck the opening goal in the 62nd minute. However, Wapda equalised in the 81st minute through Abdul Razzaq’s goal.

“It was a rough match,” PIA coach Shamim Khan told The Express Tribune. “I thought that my boys were very brave in the second-half because Wapda have that kick-and-run style which involves a lot of tackling between the players. In fact, five to six of my key players are now injured.”

Shamim added that both teams played with contrasting styles. “My players like to keep the ball on the ground and keep passing but with Wapda, their team has a habit of keeping the ball in the air half the time so it’s tricky going up against players like that.”

In the other semi-final of the day, KRL defeated Army 1-0 at the Faisal Town Football Ground.

Murtaza Hussain, who had also won his side the quarter-final against NBP, scored the winner for the four-time PPFL champions in the 23rd minute.

“Our matches against Army are always intense,” said KRL coach Sajjad Mehmood. “They are a very aggressive side but we changed our strategy this time and I’m glad my defenders did a brilliant job of maintaining the lead. Hopefully we’ll be lifting the trophy this time.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27th,  2015.

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