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| August 26, 2005 | Friday | Rajab 20, 1426 |
Khaliq’s last-gasp goal proves match-winner
KARACHI, Aug 25: Abdul Khaliq’s last-gasp strike gave Karachi Port Trust (KPT) full points with a close 1-0 victory over PTCL in the Premier League at CDGK Stadium on Thursday.
The match, laced with several missed sitters, especially by KPT, started in a lacklustre fashion and it was in the 25th that PTCL came close to scoring when Bashir Ahmad provided a fine pass only to see Mohammad Ejaz’s effort saved by KPT goalkeeper Zulfiqar.
PTCL goalkeeper Amjad Rafi was alert to take a dangerous Naseer Ahmad free kick in the in the 30th minute, while PTCL’s Adeel Ahmad header was well taken by Zulfiqar five minutes later.
Zulfiqar made a diving save to stop a Adeel 16-metre shot six minutes into second session, while three minutes later Ejaz wasted an opportunity when he fumbled followed by a PTCL’s Shahid Ahmad effort that hit the side-netting.
KPT’s Ghulam Farooq had perfect opportunity but squandered the chance, although Amjad was out from his line trying to thwart the attack from near the box in the 56th minute.
Just 10 minutes later, Farooq was again guilty of wasting a golden chance despite slack PTCL defence when he failed after Amjad spilled following a Fareed Majeed’s tight angle try.
Farooq was called on the bench in the 73rd and replaced by Mohammad Amin when he, for the third time, fumbled despite having ample time and opportunity.
Zulfiqar was again vigilant when he produced a save off an Abdul Nasir 18-metre shot.
Just when it seemed the match would end in a goalless draw KPT grabbed the match-winner when Lal Bukhsh squared an inch-perfect pass into the path of Khaliq who made no mistakes in drilling home in the 85th minute.
Friday’s fixtures: PWD v Navy; NBP v Wapda at CDGK Stadium.
Our Lahore Correspondent adds: International Mohammad Essa struck the winner as Afghan Club, Chaman beat Wohaib Club 2-1 in the second national football Premier League in Quetta.
It was the seventh victory of Afghan Club who are on top of the table since the start of the league from July 1.
After the goalless first half, the winners scored the first goal when midfielder Wali Muhammad found the target from closing range in the 64th minute.
Wohaib Club restored the parity through Imran who struck in the 78th minute, before Essa, also the vice-captain of the Pakistan team, scored the winner in the 82nd minute.
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