KARACHI: Jalil Ahmed’s strike in the second half enabled Sindh Government Press (SGP) to shock National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) 1-0 in their Group D opener of the First Naya Nazimabad Quaid-e-Azam Departmental Football tournament which kicked off here at the KMC Stadium on Sunday. Midfielder Jalil hit the decisive goal in the 52nd minute through a pile-driver from distance which went into the net after clearing goalkeeper who leaped into the air but failed to reach the ball. In the first half, the pace remained slow with neither side being aggressive in front of a sizable crowd.SGP, having only a couple of their own players with the rest having been gathered from different clubs, created a solid chance in the middle of the first session but lack of proper communication among their players prevented them from scoring. At half time the match was evenly poised without any goal.In the second half, SGP tried to put pressure on the truncated NBP, many of whose players are nursing injuries. After Jalil produced the winner, NBP, led by South Asian Games gold medallist Abdul Aziz, tried to bring the parity but it went in vain as in the dying moments Sher Ali’s desperate effort in the area failed to yield any result. “It happens when you have not played competitive football for over two years,” NBP coach Nasir Ismail told ‘The News’. “Eight of our players have undergone knee surgeries. Some of our seasoned campaigners were not in shape and had not been playing. SGP had no regular keeper, so I told my boys to manage a few shots but not a single was seen from our side in the entire game,” Nasir added. SGP coach Ghulam Haider was very happy with the outcome. “It was a fine effort from my boys as NBP are a better side,” Haider told this correspondent. Senior striker Lal Mohammad served under the cage for SGP in the absence of a regular keeper.The match was supervised by Younis Lal. Mohammad Ayaz, Jan Mohammad and Junaid of SGP were shown yellow cards, while NBP’s Adeel Ahmed received a yellow card. Meanwhile, organising secretary Ahmed Jan said that Chaman-based PACA had pulled out of the event.On Monday (today), PWD face KMC at 1:30pm. Karachi United take on Asia Ghee Mills.
