Army off to winning start in National Challenge Cup

KARACHI: Young-blooded Army were off to a winning start when they defeated Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) 1-0 in their Group G opener of the PFF National Challenge Cup here at the KPT Sports Complex on Monday.

Nisar Ahmed hit the winner on penalty in the 84th minute to gift three crucial points to Army. “Apart from defender Shehbaz and striker Ansar Abbas our whole team is new,” Army captain Jaffar Khan told The News.

“Most of them are just 18 or 19-year old. Our focus is to carry the same lot in the events to come and I am confident the same brigade will get better with the passage time,” said Jaffar, also a former Pakistan captain. In the entire match GPA’s keeper Sanaullah did a fine job and saved five sure goals. “I always try to do much better for my team. This is my first tournament at the major stage and I am very excited,” Sanaullah told this correspondent. In the seventh minute Sanaullah prevented GPA from a blow when he acrobatically saved a fine move from the soldiers.

In the 12th minute GPA’s Pervez had only to beat Army’s keeper Jaffar but his slow push was smartly gathered by the keeper. In the 39th minute Army were close to taking the lead but GPA’s defence did well in the deep to foil that. Just before half time Army managed a solid attack but again Sanaullah’s acrobatic save frustrated them. After a barren first half GPA created a solid opportunity in the 78th minute but Army’s defender timely blocked striker Pervez. Army took sigh of relief when they got a penalty in the 84th minute and Nisar made no mistake from the spot to put his side in front. Just before whistle GPA’s keeper Sanaullah made a diving save on Ansar Abbas’ pile-driver. Army’s coach Amir Shehzad was happy with his team’s achievement. “Our youngsters played well. It was the first game and I hope a good start will help us in the event,” said Amir. A former international defender Amir has played four years for Pakistan team. He has played in the 2002 Asian Games, 2002 World Cup qualifiers, 2004 Olympic qualifiers and 2003 SAFF Championships. “The real challenge before our youngsters will be the Premier League. We will try to continue our camp after this event and hopefully it would be a real test for our players,” Amir said.

Meanwhile in Group C match at the All Brothers Club Ground Malir, Police came from 0-2 down to hold strong Pakistan Air Force (PAF) 2-2.

Ali Reza put PAF ahead in the 23rd minute before international striker Mansoor Khan doubled their lead in the 27th minute. At half time PAF were leading 2-0. In the second half Police staged a strong fightback, scoring through Amir Shah and Sher Mohammad in the 74th and 77th minute to level the score.

On Tuesday (today) here at the KPT Sports Complex, K-Electric will face Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) while five-time champions Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) will lock horns with Sindh Government Press (SGP) at All Brothers Club Ground Malir.