Sports

KESC survive Afghan FC attack

Last year’s runners-up defeat Chaman-based club 1-0 in PPFL .

Natasha Raheel January 06, 2014

KESC are on top of the table with 45 points after playing 21 matches, while Afghan FC maintain their ninth position with 26 points. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: KESC extended their lead in the Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) with a win against Chaman-based club Afghan FC 1-0 in Lahore on Monday.

KESC, who have finished the last two PPFL seasons as runners-up, faced tough competition from Afghan FC in the first-half. However, their striker Muhammad Rasool struck the winning goal in the 46th minute of the match.

The winners saw a setback when their Nigerian striker Oludeyi Abayomi was sent out in the 89th minute on a double card.

Meanwhile, Afghan FC played an attacking game, but failed to level the score when they missed the penalty in the extra-time towards the end of the match.

“We won a tough match,” KESC coach Hasan Baloch told The Express Tribune. “It was a good game and we were lucky as Afghan FC missed the penalty towards the end. We just earned an important three points we needed to take the lead in the league.”

KESC are on top of the table with 45 points after playing 21 matches, while Afghan FC maintain their ninth position with 26 points.

PAF, KESC, KRL and Wapda top contenders

PAF also won an important match as they defeated Muslim FC 2-0 at the Faisal Town Ground.

Imran Mushtaq scored the opening goal in the 41st minute of the match and Muhammad Mujahid went on to seal the 12th win for PAF in the 71st minute.

PAF remain in third position with 42 points, while Muslim FC consolidated their fifth place with 36 points.

“Now the competition will be between PAF, KESC, KRL and [second-placed] Wapda,” said PAF manager Arshad Khan. “Every match is important and winning is key — just playing a draw isn’t enough. PAF have emerged as one of the top contenders now, and as a manager, I’m very proud to see my team perform so well.

“At this stage in the league, it can be anyone’s title, but my strategy will be to win our remaining eight matches.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.