Army blast their way to NFCC quarters

LAHORE: Army on Friday blasted their way into the quarter-finals when they conquered Higher Education Commission (HEC) 3-1 in their Group A second round show of the National Football Challenge Cup (NFCC) in Islamabad.

Army, who had crushed PACA 4-0 in their first game the other day, kept their momentum and sealed their second straight win to make it to the knock-out stage. Afzal provided Army with lead in the 15th minute. Umair Ali doubled it in the 28th minute before Haris landed their third in the 52nd minute to dent HEC’s chances of staging a fightback.

HEC, who had defeated NIMSO 3-1 in their first game, scored their consolation goal in the 83rd minute through Mohammad Inam. Army’s Anwar was sent off in the 42nd minute for a serious offence.

Meanwhile, Masha United defeated Navy 1-0 in their Group B encounter with Mujahid Hussain scoring the winner in the stoppage time. Earlier, in both halves tough contest was seen with both sides inflicting forceful rallies but failing to capitalise on the opportunities.

In the other Group B meeting, KRL kept their hopes alive when they conquered SA Farms 3-0 thanks to Najeebullah’s double. Najeebullah put KRL ahead in the 51st minute following a tense barren first session.

Waqar doubled their lead in the 77th minute before Najeebullah struck their third and his second in the stoppage time to seal an easy win. KRL opened their account with three points. They had been defeated by Navy 3-1 in their opener the other day.