Football: KRL launch title defence in style

Beat PAF as Pakistan Premier Football League kicks off.

KARACHI: KRL began their title defence in style, kicking off the Pakistan Premier Football League with a 2-1 win against PAF in Islamabad, while Wapda downed PMC Athletico 1-0 in Lahore.

Pakistan Navy outplayed KPT 2-1 and NBP played out a 1-1 draw against KESC despite rain disrupting the game in Karachi. In Quetta, Afghan FC drew against Muslim FC 1-1.

KRL were boosted by Hasnain Abbas’ goal in the ninth minute as they gained an early lead. After the first-half, PAF found their rhythm, equalising through Mohammad Mujahid in the 77th minute. With the match heading for a draw, Ahsanullah found the opening in the 90th minute to seal the win for KRL.

In the second match of the day, Wapda were indebted to Shahid Mehmood’s goal in the 71st minute.

In Karachi, Navy were off to an impressive start when Mohammad Sajjad scored in the seventh minute. Mohammad Farhan doubled the lead in the 53rd minute before KPT found their opener in the 70th minute through Naveed Ahmed. But the effort was not enough as Navy managed to hold off their slim lead.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2012.