KARACHI: PIA took the top spot on the Pakistan Premier football League (PPFL) table as they defeated Railways 1-0 in Lahore on Tuesday.
Both teams played a goalless first half before PIA’s Zeeshan Ali scored the winner in the 85th minute of the match.
PIA replaced Army on the top with 23 points after playing 12 matches, whereas Railways, who faced their fifth defeat in the league, are on the 11th position.
In another match, seasoned striker Arif Mehmood’s brace against K-Electric helped Wapda climb to fifth place.
Mehmood scored the opening goal in the seventh minute of the match and struck again in the 35th. K-Electric hit back through Muhammad Rasool’s goal in the 45th minute to put the scoreboard at 2-1 at the interval. However, they failed to do more as midfielder Ghazanfar Abbas sealed the win for Wapda in the 81st minute.
With the win, Wapda have 19 points and replace Muslim FC in fifth after winning five out of the 10 matches they have played so far.
“It’s a good feeling to beat a team like K-Electric,” Mehmood told The Express tribune. “They performed well but I had to make sure that I score, being the senior-most striker in the side.
“We have young players and I feel the responsibility of letting them improve in the field. I’m glad that Abbas, who is also a youngster, scored today. I want to win the matches and also inspire the new members in my team.”
Mehmood, who has recovered from a recent injury and has eight goals to his name, says he is fit enough to play till the end of the season.
Meanwhile, K-Electric lost their third match in the season and hang at fourth place with 20 points.
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ