WAPDA defeat Navy to book semi-final berth

Army outclass PAF 2-0 in National Challenge Cup

KARACHI: After struggling to reach the quarter-finals, Wapda stunned Navy 2-1 to book their place in the 2015 NBP National Challenge Cup last-four at the Railways Stadium in Lahore on Friday.

Wapda were tied in Group C with HBL, but progressed in the competition based on their head-to-head match against the Karachi-based team.

Wapda conceded an early goal scored by Hassan Faiz in the third minute before the former Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) champions equalised through Ahsan Ali in the 31st.

While Navy sought to reclaim the lead in the second-half, their defender tackled captain Waseem Abbas and awarded Wapda a penalty which was successfully capitalised by Hussain Shah in the 70th minute.

According to Wapda coach Tanveer Ahmed, his team of new players proved their worth in the well-fought match. “It was a good match, Navy put us under pressure but we didn’t succumb,” Ahmed told The Express Tribune. “I’m glad my players held their nerve after conceding that early goal, which was our defender’s fault.”

Meanwhile, skipper Waseem said that he is looking forward to the semi-final against PIA on Sunday, adding that the match would definitely be worth a watch. “We’re both fighting sides, I have a feeling that we’ll be putting up a great match,” said the Faisalabad-based striker. “PIA defeated K-Electric after conceding a goal. They have the same fighting spirit as us so we’re excited.”

In the second quarter-final, Army defeated PAF 2-0 at the Model Town Stadium.

Muhammad Zahid scored the opening goal in the 20th minute as Army took a 1-0 into the interval. Zahid scored another in the 76th minute to seal the win.

Army coach Shafqat Mehmood said that defeating PAF was tough but his plan to contain their top strikers like Zahid Mujahid, Mansoor Khan and Muhammmad Irfan worked. “PAF is a really good side,” said Mehmood. “I’m glad that our plan worked. We defeated them because of our strategy and I’m happy with my players.”

Mehmood added that their semi-final opponents this Sunday, KRL, are a complete side and there is great respect for the club. “Irrespective of their PPFL performance, they are the best side in the country. Army and KRL have always given each other a tough time so we are hoping to overcome them in the semi-finals too.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th,  2015.

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