PFF Challenge Cup: U18 boys’ party ends after close defeat

Junior football team goes down to KESC in quarter-final.

KARACHI: KESC ended the national under-18 squad’s impressive run at the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Challenge Cup, but not before the young brigade gave their opposition a run for their money during the quarter-final.

Both teams were deadlocked when play was taken to extra time with Mohammad Rasool finding the net to give his side a 1-0 win and a place in the semi-finals. KESC coach Hasan Baloch was relieved after his side’s narrow win. Baloch also praised the under-18 team for putting on a good show throughout the event, which also saw them down defending champions KRL during the group stage and make it to the second round.



“It was a close match,” admitted Baloch. “The under-18 players are an exciting and enthusiastic bunch and I think they have it in them to make it to the national squad. It means Pakistan football has a bright future. I’m also glad that Rasool scored his first goal. He’s proved his fitness and that’s a positive for us.”

Meanwhile, Wapda also reached the semi-final after a 1-0 win over Army.

PFF complains over load-shedding issue

With the tournament nearing its end, players were still complaining over the lack of basic facilities with power outage being a prime concern.

According to players, constant power breakdowns during matches has had a disturbing effect on their game, lamenting the state of affairs during the national event.

“It breaks our momentum,” said one player. “Imagine moving towards scoring a goal when power breaks down.”

Tournament manager Rauf Bari said the PFF had written a letter to Wapda to alter the load-shedding timings till the event concludes on May 26.

Bahawalpur crowd ‘encouraging’

With Bahawalpur staging the Challenge Cup for the first time, the official was also left lamenting the state of basic facilities in the city to organise such an event.

“It’s really tough to organise an event here,” said Bari. “We could’ve held this tournament in Lahore or Islamabad but these cities never attract the crowd. The only people who visit are officials and their families. In Bahawalpur, we see at least 2000 spectators daily. Although it’s difficult to organise national tournaments with less facilities, it’s the only way to promote the sport. And the crowd response has been encouraging.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2013.