PPFL: KESC register 2nd consecutive draw

Karachi-based side held by PIA 2-2 in PPFL.

KARACHI: KESC were held to a 2-2 draw against PIA in a Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) match yesterday.

KESC began the match with confidence as Muhammad Riaz scored the first goal in the sixth minute, and doubled the lead only seven minutes later. However, PIA got back into the game when the referee awarded them a penalty in the 25th minute, which was scored by Abdul Ghafoor. PIA were awarded a second penalty in the 57th minute and Zeeshan Ali made no mistake in scoring the equaliser.

After the draw, KESC remained in second position with 56 points after 27 matches, while PIA also retained eighth place with 32 points after playing 27 matches this season.

KESC coach Hasan Baloch was disappointed with his side’s performance and admitted that they will be under pressure when they come up against league leaders KRL tomorrow.

“My team will be under-pressure because we need to win our remaining three matches in order to confirm the silver medal,” Baloch told The Express Tribune. “I need my players to avoid any mistakes and be careful about their conduct.”

Meanwhile, PIA coach Shamim Khan said that the penalties were correct, after KESC officials criticised the referee’s decisions.

“KESC’s plan back-fired on them,” said Khan. “They shouldn’t have tried to intimidate my players in the field. I’m glad the referee was able to see that.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1^st, 2013.