K-Electric’s march to title continues

KARACHI: Mohammad Rasool’s solitary goal enabled leaders K-Electric to take another step forward towards the title when they defeated struggling Railways 1-0 in their vital match of the 11th Pakistan Premier Football League here at KPT Sports Complex on Thursday.
Rasool struck the winner off rebound when a drive from Wilson Segun fell in his path after crashing the pole in the 35th minute.
With the strike Rasool took his personal tally in the season to 21 goals.
Overall, it was a dull game with both sides having failed to produce movements.
K-Electric’s Ahmed Hammad was shown yellow card in the 11th minute. K-Electric’s captain Mohammad Essa was happy with the outcome.
“Although it was a slow game because swift air was blowing across the ground and the weather was chilly. But still we managed a win which was important,” Essa told ‘The News’ after his outfit’s 13th win in the season.
“Railways were weak and were playing defensive football. But still we missed a couple of easy chances,” Essa said.
“In the first half it was difficult to control the ball due to air. But in the second, the air slowed down and that helped both the teams,” said Essa, also a former Pakistan captain.
He said that their next game against WAPDA would be important.
“We will need to beat WAPDA. And if we did that we would then be able to complete our 80 per cent work. And after that if we ousted Army then if we lose our remaining two games still we will be the winners,” the playmaker said.
He said on the first day of the new year they won a match, adding, he was hoping his team would lift their maiden title this time.
K-Electric, also featuring two Nigerian players, were the runners-up in the previous two editions which were won by Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) who are struggling these days.
The win took K-Electric to 41 points after 18 outings. They are now five points ahead of the second-placed Army who have 36 from 18 meetings.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF), who also have brittle title chance, trail third with 34 points after 18 appearances.
Railways’ coach Mohammad Rasheed was not satisfied with his team’s effort.
“Indeed, we are going like this,” said the dejected Rasheed.
Railways, who are reeling at the relegation zone with 10 points after 19 matches, are due to face PIA, KPT and Afghan FC in their remaining three matches.
On Friday (today), PAF will face Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in another vital showdown here at the Korangi Baloch Football Ground, Sharafi Goth.
PIA are at the fourth spot with 30 points from 17 encounters.
Points Table
Teams MP W D L Points
K-Electric 18 13 2 3 41
Army 18 10 6 2 36
PAF 18 10 4 4 34
PIA 17 9 3 5 30
WAPDA 17 8 5 4 29
Muslim FC 22 8 5 9 29
KRL 17 7 5 5 26
KPT 16 7 2 7 23
NBP 17 6 4 7 22
Afghan FC 18 4 5 9 17
Railways 19 1 7 11 10
Baloch FC 20 0 4 16 4