February 6, 2006	Monday	Muharram 7, 1427

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LAHORE, Feb 5: Asif and Luqman’s extra time goals helped Punjab reach National under-14 soccer championship final after a 3-1 victory over Islamabad at Punjab Stadium on Sunday.

Fata, who qualified for the semifinals after “beating” NWFP on a spin of coin, edged past defending champions Sindh 2-1 to qualify for the final.

The Punjab-Islamabad match was decided in the extra time after both sides were deadlocked at 1-1 after regulation time.

One of the favourites and Group ‘B’ leaders, Punjab failed to perform well initially against Islamabad who made into last four after Afghan Club were scratched from the competition for refusing to send five players for age verification.

While the match started on a fast pace it lacked thrill after both sides scored one goal each as the game was mostly confined to midfield.

Bilal put Punjab ahead in the fifth minute, scoring a field goal on solo effort. Islamabad retaliated six minutes later with an equaliser through Tabish.

Though the two sides made some inroads, the first half ended with the same scoreline. As the two sides failed in moving the scoreboard in the second session, the game was extended to 30-minute extra time.

Punjab eventually scored two goals in three minutes to seal the fate of the match. Asif banged home a field goal after a melee in the 82nd minute. Three minutes later, Luqman fired home to enable Punjab to move ahead.

In a dull semifinal, Fata stunned Sindh who focussed on short passes, while winners adopted long passes strategy.

Hazrat Hussain gave Fata an early lead in the ninth minute as he slammed a field goal. Adnan doubled the lead two minutes later as Fata went on the offensive.

Although Sindh staged a comeback after reducing the margin through Bilal Nazar in the 18th minute, it failed to equalise.

The final will be played on Monday at 3.00pm. Sindh and Islamabad will play for third position at 11.00am.