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WEEKLY
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| Navy's surprise run continues |
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Monday, November 02, 2009
By Alam Zeb Safi
KARACHI: The resolute Navy continued to spring surprises as they overpowered former champions Army 1-0 to jump to the third spot while defending champions WAPDA defeated Pakistan Air Force (PAF) by 2-1 to elevate to the top place, in matches of the Pakistan Premier Football League held in Lahore on Sunday.
At the Model Town Football Academy Ground, Navy, who had inflicted a 3-1 shocking defeat on WAPDA at the Railways Stadium the other day, produced another stunning performance when they snatched a 1-0 victory against the poorly prepared soldiers.
After a sedate start, Navy got the first good opportunity in the 22nd minute but Sajjad Ahmad failed to beat goalkeeper Jaffar Khan, who is in terrific form these days.
However, three minutes later, Asif Bakhsh hit the goalpost with a fiery kick where midfielder Farhan Qadir, standing in the goalmouth, made no mistake to guide the rebound past the keeper to place the visitors, Navy, 1-0 ahead. Just before half time, Sajjad could have doubled the lead but his poor shot from close range went off the target.
After the breather both sides played an attacking game and it were Army who produced few opportunities but could not avail of them due to poor finishing.
"It was a good win for us. After beating WAPDA in convincing manner the other day the morale of my team had boosted a lot which helped us in this match. If we continue in the same style then I am hopeful that we will finish in the most respectable position in the end," Navy coach Khalid Zuber told 'The News' after the match.
"You know, we are passing through tough time and hardly do practice for the league matches. In spite of all the troubles, we are doing a lot," Army captain Jaffar Khan said.
With the win, Navy took their points to 37 from 17 matches while Army have 35 points from 16 meetings. Army had to host this match on October 22 in Rawalpindi but was postponed due to security concerns.
Meanwhile, at the Railways Stadium, two-time defending champions WAPDA produced their 12th win from 17 matches with a 2-1 triumph over PAF. Yasir Iqbal provided hosts WAPDA the lead in the 11th minute through a well-connected header on a cross from Qamar Zaman. Zeeshan Javed, who replaced captain Arif Mehmood, made it 2-0 for the hosts with a piercing drive in the 30th minute. After half time, WAPDA opted for defensive display which gave PAF the chance in the injury time to reduce the deficit through Irfan Ali.
WAPDA, with the victory, jumped to the top spot with 39 points from 17 matches while PAF are struggling with 15 points from 18 meetings. Today's fixtures: PIA v KPT, KESC v HBL.
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ISSN 1563-9479 
