PIA to take on KRL in Challenge Cup final

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and former champions Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) qualified for the final when they defeated WAPDA and Army, respectively, in the semi-finals of NBP Football Challenge Cup in Lahore on Sunday.
In the first semi-final, at Railways Stadium, PIA dashed four-time Premier League champions WAPDA’s hopes of their maiden title with a 5-4 victory in penalty shootout.
In the scheduled and extra time, the score had remained 1-1.
After a barren first half, Riaz put PIA ahead in the 62nd minute. Razzaq levelled it for WAPDA with a fine field effort in the 81st minute.
In the extra 30 minutes, both sides played tough, but failed to add to their tally.
PIA coach Shamim Khan said it was a tough game. “WAPDA normally play rough game; that left around five of our players injured,” he told ‘The News’.
“But there is one day gap and our players are getting treated. I hope they will recover for the final,” the coach said.
“Our final against KRL will also be tough as KRL also have beaten Army after a tough match. But I have faith in my players and we have a good chance of winning,” said Shamim, a former international.
This is the second time that PIA have qualified for the final. In 2009 edition, PIA had lost to KRL in the final.
Irshad-ul-Haq supervised the match.
KRL snatched a narrow 1-0 win over two-time Premier League winners Army to set the final date with PIA.
Murtaza Hussain hit the winner in the 23rd minute.
KRL coach Sajjad Mehmood said his players made a terrific effort. “I will give full credit to the players who played very well,” he said. “Murtaza scored an excellent goal on rebound when Army’s gloveman’s punch on Izharullah’s cross fell in his path in the area,” said Sajjad, who guided KRL to their maiden Challenge Cup and Premier League titles in 2009.
KRL have to their credit titles in 2009 and 2010.
Sajjad said their final against PIA would be tough. “PIA’s players are skilled,” he said.
On Monday (today), Army will lock horns with WAPDA in the game for the third place at Railways Stadium. The final will be held on Tuesday (tomorrow) at Railways Stadium at 3pm.