LAHORE, Nov 25: Army failed to topple Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) from the top of the points table when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Afghan FC in the Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) at the Army Stadium, Rawalpindi.

The soldiers failed to sweep past the Afghans despite several counterattacks which failed to reach target while the visitors from Balochistan found themselves unable to capitalise on their good possession percentage and a number of great opportunities.

Chaman’s international midfielder Jadeed Khan, who was instrumental in their 3-1 win over PTV three days ago by scoring the event’s 11th hat-trick, came close in the 25th and 76th minutes but Army’s keeper was equal to task.

Army forced two good opportunities. Skipper Imran Hussain played a fine one-two with Adnan Bari but his angular drive failed to beat keeper Jehangir Khan in the 37th minute.

Jehangir, who replaced keeper Fateh Mohammad, showed his class again when he thwarted left fullback Imran Hussain’s attempt from close range in the 78th minute.

The 85th minute saw a brilliant move from the right flank that allowed right winger Zafar Ahmed to scythe through the Army’s defense and his goal-line back pass was wasted by spearhead Mahmood Khan.

The clash happened to be the first ever goalless draw between two teams in the league’s four-year history.

Wednesday’s fixture: Pakistan’s International Airlines v National Bank of Pakistan at Railway Stadium, Lahore, at 2.30pm.—Agencies