KARACHI: Port Qasim Authority blasted their way into the quarter-finals after defeating District Football Association (DFA) East 3-2 in their Group C match of the 1st RLCA Ramazan-ul-Mubarak Floodlight Football tournament here at the RLCA Ground at Korangi on Saturday night.
It was an interesting match as both sides played with immense confidence. Port Qasim got onto the scoresheet in the 26th minute when Faiz Mohammad’s pile-driver from close range went into the net before before Gul Sher doubled their lead by capitalising a sharp pass in the 40th minute.
But on the stroke of half time, DFA East pulled one back through Furqanullah. At half time, Port Qasim were leading 2-1.
DFA East brought parity in the 55th minute through Aqeel Khan. But this did not disappoint Port Qasim as they went on building pressure with incisive rallies and were able to put themselves on the front foot with a decisive goal in the 63rd minute through Rizwan Ghanchi.
The loss put DFA East out of the tournament. East had also been whipped by PIA 6-2 in their opener.
Meanwhile, in the other match DFA Malir surprised strong Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) with a 2-2 draw.
In the Group D match, KESC were given tough time by their rivals as they came from behind to avoid a defeat.
DFA Malir put themselves in a very strong position by scoring twice in the first half. Imad Baloch struck for them in the 36th minute and Ameen Chottu doubled their lead a minute later.
But after the half time, KESC brought into action their real experience and were able to score two goals, earning a crucial point.
Mohammad Moosa (66th minute) and international defender Akber Ali (75) scored the goals for KESC, who were missing their skipper Mohammad Essa, unavailable for the 12-team event being organised by former cricket captain Rashid Latif. National Bank were scheduled to lock horns with DFA South at 11:00pm on Sunday night.
1st All-Pakistan RLCA Ramazan ul Mubarak Floodlit Football Cup 2012 @ RLCA Ground, KORANGI (Karachi)
Port Qasim Authority (PQA) returned to football action after a 12 years hiatus with a 3-2 win over DFA East, while KESC were held 2-2 by DFA Malir in RLCA Ramazan Cup
The result helped Port Qasim Authority enter the quarter-finals stage from Group C with this win while DFA East bowed out of the competition following this loss as well as previous 6-2 hammering at hands of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
Karachi Electrical Supply Company (KESC) were surprisingly held 2-2 by DFA Malir in other game in Group D. The result could be costly for KESC, who need to avoid defeat in next game against DFA West to reach next round. DFA West had earler beaten beaten DFA Malir 4-1 and hence reached next round because of this result.
GROUP ‘C’
PORT QASIM AUTHORITY (3) : Faiz Mohammad 26, Gul Sher 40, Rizwan Ghanchi 63
DFA EAST (2) : Furqanullah 45+1, Aqeel Khan 55
Port Qasim Authority football team restored after 12 years . Former Captain of Pakistan Cricket Team restoration of Football Team recently.
GROUP ‘D’
KESC (2) : Mohammad Moosa 66, Akbar Ali 75
DFA MALIR (2) : Imdad Baloch 36, Ameen Chotoo 37
REFEREE : Habibullah, Saleem Moosa, Saleem Faiz and Saleem Babar while Riaz Ahmed was Match Commissioner.
Today’s fixture (6.8.2012
National Bank of Pakistan vs DFA South at 11:00 pm
RIAZ AHMED – 0300-3926092
