LAHORE, April 20: Wapda, Pakistan’s representative in this year’s AFC President’s Cup, are the hot favourites in the National Football Challenge Cup (NFCC) to be held in Karachi from May 1-15.

According to the draws announced here by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), 16 teams will be competing for top honours at Karachi’s two designated stadiums — CDGK and the Peoples Sports Complex.

Although the last edition at Rawalpindi’s Army Sports Complex, three years ago, was won by PTCL, it is national champions Wapda who this time look far more formidable in Group ‘B’ along with NBP, PTV and SSGC. PIA are to face challenge from KPT, HBL and SGP in Group-C. Group-A comprises Kahuta’s KRL, Navy, PEL and PAF while Army will oppose three Karachi outfits — KESC, Pak Steel and PPWD — in Group-D.

The semi-finals have been scheduled for May 14 while the final and third place matches will be played on May 15.