By Alam Zeb Safi [The News]
KARACHI: Karachi Port Trust (KPT) joined WAPDA and Afghan FC at the top of the standings after defeating Habib Bank Limited (HBL) 3-0 while PIA outgunned Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) 3-1 in their matches of the Pakistan Premier Football League here on Wednesday.
At the KPT Stadium, the hosts put a scintillating show in the final 17 minutes of the match as they scored thrice to take their points tally to 13.
Jamaluddin broke the deadlock in the 74th minute before a Waseem Cheena pile-driver in the 85th mintue and a Shahid Salim penalty three minutes later resigned an aging HBL side to their third loss in four meetings.
“We left it late but it was productive. The players have been in good touch and I am hopeful that we continue in the same spree,” KPT Sports Manager Shah Naeem told ‘The News’.
HBL manager Yousuf Khan was left frustrated at his team’s performance. “We kept them under tight check but they took the game away from us with dramatic three goals,” Yousuf said.
At the CDGK Stadium, a Nazir Ahmad brace in the first-half guided PIA to their second victory of the season. SSGC did reduce the deficit in the second-half but Waseemullah scored two minutes before the end to seal their fate.
“The oppositions wasn’t that strong and we should have defeated them by at least six goals. Nevertheless, it was good for us as we gave our backwarmers some playing time,” PIA coach Shamim Khan said.
PIA now have nine points from six matches while SSGC are yet to open their account after five meetings.
Today’s fixture: PMC Athletico vs Young Blood (Agriculture University Ground, Faisalabad).