National U18 side through to last-eight

SSGC defeat Police in Challenge Cup football match.

KARACHI: The National under-18 team powered its way into the quarter-finals of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Challenge Cup 2013 despite making its first appearance at the event.

The team thrashed Faisalabad’s Bhatti United FC 5-2 at the Dring Stadium in Bahawalpur, taking the lead in Group C with four points.

Mansoor Khan netted four times, while Muhammad Riaz contributed a goal in the team’s impressive victory.

Khan, touted as the best emerging striker at the national level, scored his first goal in the 20th minute on a penalty kick as the U18 boys led 2-0 at the interval. Bhatti United FC levelled in the second-half, but Mansoor scored in the 78th, 81st and 85th minutes to seal his side’s win.

“My bet is on the national under-18 side winning the tournament,” a PFF official told The Express Tribune. “I think they can win the tournament only if they get past clubs like KRL and KESC.”

Meanwhile, SSGC crushed Police 4-0 for third position in Group B. KESC and Wapda have already qualified for the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Defending champions succumb to shock defeat

However, the biggest upset of the tournament came when Pak-Afghan Clearing Agency (PACA) defeated defending champions KRL 2-1 in their Group A match on Saturday night.

The win means PACA now lead Group A with four points. They qualified for the quarter-finals while KRL stayed in second place with three points. They will play their last group match against HBL today.

“I’m not worried about losing to PACA,” said KRL striker Kaleemullah. “KRL is the best club in the country and these local tournaments will help us prepare for international events.”

HBL claimed two points after recording a draw against Ashraf Sugar Mills 1-1.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2013.