Alam Zeb Safi [The News]
KARACHI: International striker Shakir Lashari’s scored a brace to help Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) overwhelm Pakistan Air Force (PAF) 2-0 in their opener of the eighth edition of the Pakistan Premier Football League at the KPT Football Stadium here on Friday.
Shakir, who is least interested in representing Pakistan in international level despite being superbly talented, splendidly headed in a cross from captain Nasrullah to provide a 1-0 to the hosts. PIA doubled their lead when Shakir Lashari completed his brace with a superb solo effort in the 28th minute.
PIA, with the win, opened their account with three points while PAF are yet to score any point after playing two matches.
Despite the tense security environment in the city, the organisers made the match possible by providing good security to the contesting sides.
At the Sadiq Shaheed Football Stadium in Quetta, former champions KRL, under coach Tariq Lutfi, produced their second victory when they conquered Lahore’s Pak Elektron Limited (PEL) 3-0 in front of a huge crowd. KRL drew first blood with an excellent effort from international Rizwan Asif in the 29th minute.
In the second-half, international striker Kaleemullah, who also played in the World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh, doubled KRL’s lead with a left-footed shot in the 56th before international Mehmood Khan sealed the win with a brilliant field effort in the 65th minute.
KRL, with the victory, stretched their points to six from two games while PEL are yet to open their account after playing one game.
In another match at the same venue, holders WAPDA once again failed to produce a victory when they were held to a goalless draw by the hosts Nushki’s Baloch FC.