KARACHI: Only an incredible goal-swing in the last round of matches would prevent Karachi United from reaching the final round of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Cup.

United virtually sealed their passage through from Group ‘II’ after they thrashed Sindh Government Press (SGP) 4-0 at the KPT Stadium on Sunday while Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) kept their hopes alive when Wajid Abdul Wahid’s goal deep into stoppage time saw them eke past Pakistan Police 3-2.

Having hammered GPA 4-1 in their opening match, United are firmly in control of the group after first-half goals from Ali Raza and Fazal Mohammad and second-half strikes from Mohammad Junaid and Ahsan Usman saw them rout SGP, who are now out of contention after losing 2-1 to Police in their first game.

Police had almost sealed their spot in the final round alongside United, who they play in the final round of matches on Tuesday, when Sher Zaman levelled the game against GPA in the final minute but Wajid struck in the fifth minute of injury time to snatch victory.

Pervez Pehchan had put GPA 2-1 ahead in the 75th minute at the KPT Stadium after Sher Hassan had levelled matters late in the first half for Police following the opener from Barkat Mian.

It now means that only a very heavy defeat for United in their final game would see GPA and Police advance at their expense.

Matches of Group ‘IV’ in Islamabad finally kicked off following heavy rains in the capital with Bhatti United playing a goalless draw against Pakistan Television while Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) won 3-1 against Higher Edu­c­ation Commission (HEC).

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2016