Football: Police keep PIA in check

Zahid scores hat-trick as KPT win in football league.

KARACHI: In a thrilling Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) encounter, Police edged out PIA 3-2 courtesy a superb winning goal by striker Asadullah at the Peoples Stadium in Karachi.

Meanwhile, in the other PPFL match - held at the KPT Sports Complex - hosts KPT thrashed Pel 4-1 following a hat-trick from Zahid Ahmed.

According to details, Police staged a comeback against PIA in the first half that saw scintillating action from both sides. PIA secured an early lead when Saddam Hussain struck in the 10th minute before Police levelled 18 minutes later through Mohammad Zareef. Shakir Lashari put PIA ahead two minutes before the breather before Hazrat Ali made it 2-2 just moments before the half-time whistle.

After a dull second-half, Asadullah hit the winner in the 63rd minute as Police secured a narrow victory.

Meanwhile, Zahid emerged as the hero for KPT. After a 1-1 deadlock, Zahid scored his first in the 40th minute before finding the target again five minutes later. He completed his hat-trick courtesy a penalty kick in the 80th minute.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23^rd,  2011.