PPFL: KRL inch closer to title with 2-1 win

Leaders register vital victory over KPT in Karachi.

KARACHI:

KRL continued to dominate the Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) with a comfortable 2-1 win over KPT in Karachi yesterday while Muslim FC moved up to third place.

The defending champions took an early lead as Kamran Khan scored the first goal of the match, which was then equalised by KPT’s Ghulam Raza. However, KRL sealed the victory through a penalty kick by Samer Ishaq.

With the win, KRL extended their lead in the league with 65 points after playing 26 matches, whereas, KPT slumped to 12th with 30 points and only two matches remaining.

“We gave them a sturdy competition,” KPT manager Naeem Shah told The Express Tribune. “We are safe, and for now, we are focusing on improving the team for the next season. We can’t be upset after losing to the best side in the league.”

Meanwhile, Muslim FC left Army and PAF behind with their 4-0 win against PMC Athletico in Chaman yesterday, moving up the ladder to third place with 56 points. KESC have the same number of points, but lead with a higher goal difference in the league.



Muslim FC’s Haji Muhammad opened the account for his side, while Muhammad Dawood doubled the lead. Haji struck again, followed by another goal from the national under-23 team-member Saeed Ahmed which sealed the win.

“It’s an achievement to get to third position and now the goal is to at least stay there,” said Dawood. “By finishing among the top three teams, we just want to prove that Chaman has a lot of talent and that our players need attention and opportunity in the national side too.”

Meanwhile, PAF skipped their match with Baloch FC in Noushki, which cost them third position in the league. Baloch FC got a walk-over, which kept PAF in fifth with 53 points after 28 matches. Baloch FC remained in 13th position with 30 points. On the other hand, PMC Athletico continued to face relegation with only 24 points down in 15th spot.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2013.