February 4, 2006	Saturday	Muharram 5, 1427

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LAHORE, Feb 3: Sindh and Punjab reached National under-14 football championship semifinals after 2-0 victories at Punjab Stadium on a day which saw yet another protest against Afghan Club for fielding over-aged players on Friday.

Two goals by Imran Abdullah helped Sindh defeat Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to move into semifinals and become group champions, while Punjab beat Balochistan.

It was Sindh’s second win after 4-2 success against DPS School, Lahore, who remained at second spot. AJK finished at bottom.

Imran scored his first in the ninth minute off a corner and doubled the lead a minute before the half time.

Led by Mohammad Bilal, Punjab brushed aside favourites Balochistan in a tense and absorbing tussle.

Facing a must-win situation, Punjab started the match in a stormy fashion as they scored both the goals in the first half.

Nauman opened the account by scoring in the 14th minute and Usman Manzoor made it 2-0 in the 20th minute.

Afghan Club notched up a 3-0 win against Islamabad who lodged an official protest against the winners for fielding five over-aged players.

Earlier in the tournament, Lahore Grammar School had also lodged a protest against Afghan Club following which Pakistan Football Federation removed six Afghan Club players from the team.

Jan Mohammad slammed home his first in the 13th and got his second in the 23rd minute, while Azizullah netted third in the 42nd minute.

Two goals by Rahim Ali enabled NWFP to open their campaign confidently in Group C with a 4-0 win over Wohaib Club.

The winners led the first half 3-0 and added the fourth in the second session.

Waheed Hameed opened the scoring in the seventh minute, while Rahim doubled the lead in the 20th minute.

Amir Sadiq struck in the 29th minute before Rahim found the target for his second in the 33rd minute to complete tally.

Wohaib Club require a win against Fata in a match to be played again on Saturday to reach semfinals. Fata had defeated Wohaib 2-0 but the latter lodged a protest for playing with over-aged Hikmat who scored the goals.

On Friday, Wohaib Club withdrew the protest after it was decided the match will be played again on Saturday.

Fata and NWFP played a goalless draw on Friday.

In a match played on Thursday, a hat trick by Mohammad Osman helped Islamabad crush Lahore Grammar School 6-0. Osman scored in the 38th, 44th, 46th minutes. Irfan Hyder (52nd, 58th minute) and Tabish (33rd minute) were other scorers.

The other two quarterfinals will be decided on Saturday. The semifinals will be played on Sunday.