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| October 25, 2005 | Tuesday | Ramzan 20, 1426 |
Two-goal Imran helps Army grab title
RAWALPINDI, Oct 24: International Imran Hussain struck twice as Pakistan Army clinched the Premier League soccer title after a 3-1 victory over Wapda at Army Stadium Sunday night.
Wapda, who needed six-goal victory over soldiers to win the title, were subdued throughout 90-minute tussle. Army, being national champions, also booked place for the second AFC President’s Cup next year.
The winners were awarded Rs300,000, while runners-up got Rs200,000. Khan Research Laboratories, who finished at third place, received Rs100,000.
PTCL skipper Arif Masih received Fair Play Trophy and his team-mate Adeel Ahmed was adjudged Most Valuable Player and was awarded Rs25,000. Leading scorer Imran Hussain (21 goals) received Rs20,000.
Wapda tested Army goalkeeper Jaffar Khan by making inroads through front-runners Arif Mehmood, Mohammad Niaz and Imran Niazi in the first 18 minutes but found the keeper alert.
The soldiers slammed home two goals within eighty seconds midway through first half. Imran gave Wapda goalkeeper Asadullah Tariq no chance with a powerful drive just outside of the area.
Armymen doubled the led when spearhead Jaffar Hussain clipped the ball past Asad from close-range.
Wapda faced more trouble as soldiers started the second half with impressive form to net their third.
Imran received a Mohammad Shabbir pass before weaving through Wapda defenders to get his double in the 48th minute.
Substitute Khuda Bukhsh struck consolation goal for Wapda through spot kick when he was tripped by Army stopper Umar Daraz in the box.
POINTS TABLE (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points)
Army 22 16 3 3 52 9 51
Wapda 22 13 6 3 43 15 45
KRL 22 12 5 5 41 24 41
PTCL 22 11 3 8 36 26 36
NBP 22 9 8 5 31 19 35
Afghan FC 21 10 4 7 25 27 34
HBL 22 7 5 10 24 36 26
KPT 22 6 6 10 27 35 24
Navy 22 5 6 11 17 26 21
Panther FC 21 6 2 13 20 44 20
Wohaib FC 22 5 5 12 16 41 20
PWD 22 3 3 16 14 44 12
—PPI
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