KARACHI: Karachi thumped Pakistan Police 6-2 to register their maiden victory in pool A of the fifth Quaid-i-Azam Gold Cup hockey tournament at Customs Preventive Service Club and Sports Complex on Wednesday.

The second match between the PAF and Pakistan Steels ended in a two-all stalemate.

Both the matches that were of academic interest marked culmination of the league.

Having lost earlier two games to Customs 2-3 and National Bank of Pakistan 2-12, the local outfit made amends by winning their last fixture. Allay Hassan netted twice, both field goals, — once in second and fourth quarters — to steer his team victory. Earlier, Waseem Aslam drew blood in the fifth minute while Shujaat Ali consolidated the lead off first penalty corner in the 11th minute. Sharjeel Sheikh and Ali Hassan contributed one goal apiece, the last on penalty corner one minute before the final whistle.

Back to back goals by Anas Siddiqui in 39th and 55th minutes helped Policemen reduce the deficit. They earned half-a-dozen penalty corners but in vain. It is pertinent to mention that Police remained winless in the competition having suffered a massive 0-21 defeat at the hands of NBP and 2-7 to Customs.

Waseem Aslam of Karachi won Man of the Match award of Rs10,000.

The PAF and Pakistan Steels fought a fierce battle in the next match that was marred by some rough play.

After the barren first quarter, Abbas Hyder struck twice for Pakistan Steels in 32nd and 50th minutes while full back Mushtaq slammed both the goals for PAF off third penalty corner in 41st minute and fourth in 49th minute.

Mushtaq of PAF earned the Man of the Match award of Rs10,000.

Group A champions National Bank of Pakistan takes on runners-up of pool B Railways in the first semi-final on Thursday at 1pm. This will be followed by second semi-final between winners of pool B PIA and runners-up of pool A Customs at 3pm.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2015

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