June 1, 2006	Thursday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 4, 1427

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LAHORE, May 31: A goal each by Sajid and Asim in extra half helped Punjab to cruise into semifinals of the 2nd National U-21 football championship after notching up 4-2 win against City Club, Lahore at Railways Stadium on Wednesday.

Two-goal Faheem Riaz enabled defending champions Army carve out 2-0 win against Afghan Club, Chaman, also to make the last four.

In Punjab-City Club clash the 90-minutes play produced 2-2 scoreline as an extra half of 30 minute was played.

Punjab went ahead twice during the regulation time, but City Club that found a place in the quarterfinals stage after Mardan Club was scratched for inducting an overaged player Naimat Ullah against Islamabad, fought bravely to restore the parity.

Punjab's nimble-footed right winger Muzammil, who wasted several scoring opportunities, however created a chance for striker Ouon Shaw who made no mistake in 8th minute.

City Club drew level in the 40th minute through skipper Saleem's free-kick that landed into left corner, leaving keeper Usman guessing.

The 1-1 score remained intact till the end of the first half.

Punjab regained lead (2-1) in the 49th minute through Nadeem.

City Club made it 2-2 through Saleem's 56th minute spot kick given by FIFA Referee Jahangir Khan for a foul by a defender on City's winger Kashif.

Punjab went 3-2 up in the third minute of extra time when substitute Sajid's headed home. Another substitute right-winger Asim put the match beyond doubt in the 116th minute.

He ran half distance of the pitch, dodged three defenders including goalkeeper to find the target.

Later, City Club's manager Tanveerul Hassnain lodged a protest against Punjab's midfielder Pervez and striker Sajid to technical committee, alleging they are overaged.

The decision will be taken after conducting wrist test.

Earlier, reigning champions Army earned a convincing win against Afghan Club, Chaman (2-0).

Faheem, who represented Pakistan in AFC Challenge Cup at Dhaka, drew the first blood in the 6th minute scoring a goal on solo effort.

Ten minutes later Fahim beat Afghan's goalkeeper to double the lead.

POF Wah will meet Navy in the third quarterfinals on Thursday.