August 25, 2007	Saturday	Sha’aban 11, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Aug 24: The Sports Sciences Club of Lahore knocked out Afghanistan by a solitary goal to win the 3rd National Women’s Football Championship at the Jinnah Stadium here on Friday.

Ayesha Khan scored the all-important winner for the Lahore club in a thrilling final which was also witnessed by the Pakistan Football Federation chief Faisal Saleh Hayat who gave away the winners trophy to the Lahore club. Also present on the occasion was the Afghanistan ambassador Mohammad Anwar Zai.

Earlier, Ayesha slotted her winning shot in the top corner of the net to beat the Afghan goalkeeper in the 26th minute. The lanky Lahore striker found just enough open space on the edge of the penalty area to aim her kick at the post.

The Afghan side were then effectively denied any clear opportunity to level the score against the Lahore outfit which were superbly led by Nabeela Raza.

Meanwhile, Karachi finished third in the 14-team championship after beating Balochistan 1-0.

The visiting Afghan team will now play a two-match friendly series against Pakistan’s national side in Lahore next week.—Agencies