Impressive PIA move up to third spot

Lashari scores brace as side defeats Muslim FC 2-1 in PPFL

KARACHI: PIA climbed to third place after defeating Muslim FC 2-1 in the Pakistan Premier Football League on Sunday.

PIA had a slow start earlier this season, but they registered their seventh win at the Korangi Baloch Stadium.

Their key striker Shakir Lashari scored the opening goal in the 22nd minute as PIA led 1-0 at the interval. Lashari then went onto seal victory for his team in the 60th minute. In reply, Muslim FC could only manage a solitary goal from Ayatullah three minutes later in the second-half.

The win took PIA to third place with 24 points after playing 16 matches. They have had a good run in the last two matches having drawn with defending champions KRL before defeating Muslim FC on Sunday.

On the other hand, the Chaman-based club remained in second spot with 29 points despite the defeat.

“Shakir Lashri is one of the best strikers in the country,” KESC captain Essa Khan told The Express Tribune, while commenting on the best players in the league so far. “He needs more support but his game is flawless and he has a good technique. People actually come to see him. He is an asset for PIA.”

In another match, former champions Wapda defeated Afghan FC 2-1 at the KPT stadium.

Wapda took the lead with Hasnain Abbas’s goal in the 28th minute, while Arif Mehmood doubled the score in the 67th to ensure their fifth win of the season.

Afghan FC’s solitary goal was scored by Abdul Qahir in the first minute of injury-time during the second session.

Wapda have now moved to fourth place with 22 points after playing 13 matches, while Afghan FC lost their place to Wapda and slumped to fifth position with 22 points after playing 16 matches.

Meanwhile, Pak- Afghan Clearing Agency and PAF played a goalless draw at the KMC stadium.