Nazeer steers PEL to National Challenge Cup victory

KARACHI: Captain Nazeer Khan led from the front as he struck the lone goal to put debutants Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) in quarterfinals of National Challenge Cup Football Tournament after they defeated Karachi Port Trust (KPT) 1-0 in their last Group E game here at KPT Sports Complex on Sunday.

Nazeer hit the winner in the 12th minute on a corner kick. Earlier in the start goalkeeper Sanaullah saved KPT from a real blow with a timely punch. KPT’s Zubair could have struck twice before the interval but each time he failed to place the ball rightly. At half time PPL were leading 1-0. In the second half too tight game was seen with KPT having failed to capitalize on the chances that damaged their cause. “We could not avail of the chances that damaged our mission,” KPT coach Zafar Majeed told The News.

PPL assistant coach and former Pakistan’s Olympic team captain Zahid Hameed credited his boys’ hard work for the result. “Our team did a tough job,” Zahid said. “The whole credit goes to PPL top management who formed the team in short time after picking the players from PPL Balochistan Cup. Most of the players have come from the economically weak areas of Balochistan,” Zahid said.

Meanwhile the Group A match between Ashraf Sugar Mills (ASM) and Falcon FC here at the All Brothers Football Ground in Malir ended in a goalless draw. The result also put ASM in the quarter-finals from the group.