KARACHI: Mohammad Rasool and Oludeyi Abayomi Sunday struck one goal apiece to guide ten-man K-Electric to a convincing 2-0 triumph over National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) in their vital show of the 11th Pakistan Premier Football League here at the Dr Mohammad Ali Shah Stadium in Korangi on Friday.
Chitral-born international striker Rasool put K-Electric ahead in the 24th minute. This was the 17th goal from Rasool in the season.
Oludeyi, who has also been impressive this season, then hit a fine field goal in the 41st minute to take the game away from the bankers.
In the second half, a tough fight was witnessed but no side could strike. K-Electric experienced a blow when their defender Umar Farooq was sent off for double booking in the 77th minute.
K-Electric’s coach Hasan Baloch said they played really well.
“We played positive game. Although we missed a few chances in the second half. And then in the end we lost Umar Farooq through double booking but Essa was sent to the deep that helped us to maintain the lead,” Hasan told The News after his team’s 11th win.
He said if they can win four out of their final six games they could become champions.
“We have a good chance and will try to grab the opportunity,” said Hasan, an AFC License A coach.
The victory took K-Electric’s points tally to 35 after 16 outings. They are just one point behind leaders Army who have 36 points after 18 appearances.
The loss left NBP reeling at 19 points after 16 outings.
Here at KPT Sports Complex, Karachi Port Trust (KPT) notched their seventh triumph of the marathon when they overwhelmed Afghan FC 2-0 to take their points to 23 after 15 meetings.
KPT went ahead through their seasoned front-runner Zahid Ahmed in the 34th minute. Naved Ahmed then doubled their lead in the 78th minute.
“Despite injuries to some of our key players, the win was fantastic,” KPT’s coach Mohammad Asif told this correspondent.
KPT were missing international Junaid Qadir and Mohammad Bin Younis due to injuries while Waseem Cheena was serving one match suspension. However, Asif said that they were facing scoring problems.
“We did not convert a few chances which was disappointing,” said Asif, who recently attended the AFC License B course in Lahore.
The loss left Afghan FC at 17 points after 17 matches.
On Saturday (today), Chaman’s Muslim FC will lock horns with WAPDA here at KPT Sports Complex.
Meanwhile, in the PFF League (B Division) final, Navy will meet Nushki’s Baloch FC here at Dr Mohammad Ali Shah Stadium.