Islamabad, 8 May 2024
WAPDA and Lahore’s SA Gardens FC won their respective quarterfinals at the Jinnah Sports Complex Islamabad to reach the semifinals of the 2023-24 National Football Challenge Cup.
The 2020 National Challenge Cup’s defending champions WAPDA beat challengers Pakistan Air Force 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Pakistan international star Shayek Dost.
The scoreline remained the same for the rest of the 90 minutes with both sides being unable to utilize their chances. PAF, coached by former Pakistan national team boss Shahzad Anwar now head home.
Shayek Dost now has an astounding 7 goals in 4 matches in this Round Two of the Challenge Cup and is well on course to becoming the tournament top scorer. WAPDA now face Pakistan Army in the semifinal on 10 May.
SA Gardens, who had reached the quarterfinals in the 2020 edition, won a cagey quarterfinal against Peshawar’s WSTC 1-0. A lone goal from defender Umar Sadozai proved to be the difference against WSTC, who were coached by former Pakistan national team assistant coach Gohar Zaman.
SA Gardens will be dreaming of a first ever Challenge Cup final appearance but have to face giantkillers HEC, who had knocked out favourites KRL 1-0 on 7 May, in the semifinal on 10 May.
Tomorrow, 9 May will be a rest day before the semifinals on 10 May. The 3rd/4th place clash between the losing semifinalists will be on 11 May.
The National Challenge Cup final will be held on 12 May, likely at Jinnah Stadium proper.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.