LAHORE, Nov 29: Pakistan Premier League’s 64th match between National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and Railways ended in a 0-0 draw at the CDGK Stadium, Karachi, on Thursday.
It was an off colour day for the bankers who fumbled several chances while the Railways, who had played miserably in their previous matches at the Karachi leg, suddenly came into their own and put up a fine display that earned them another point.
According to information made available here by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) after completion of 64 matches, Rawalpindi’s Khan Research Laboratories lead the table with 23 points, followed by holders Pakistan Army and Karachi Port Trust (21 each) and NBP (19 points).
The KESC and Pakistan Navy managed 16 points each, one above the hot contender Pakistan Wapda. PIA, playing their first Tier-I show in four years, secured 11 points while Afghan FC registered 10 points.
The former National champions HBL (8), PTV (7), Wohaib (3), Railways (2) and PMC (1) are now trying their best to avoid the frustration of relegation to B-Div soccer next season.
Meanwhile, in Group-B, the Pakistan Football Federation League saw Sui Southern Gas Company strike twice within the 40 seconds in injury time to beat Mauripur Baloch by 2-0 at the Aga Khan Gymkhana Ground, Karachi.
After a goalless first half, both the teams found themselves trying their best to score. Just when it seemed like the match would end in a draw, SSGC’s striker Muhammad Ishaq made it a 1-0 on the final whistle.
And he struck another during injury time to let SSGC earn three points. Baloch FC, Nushki, lead the group with nine points, followed by Baloch FC, Quetta, PPWD and Pakistan Steel with seven points. SSGC have five, Pakistan Police four and Mauripur Baloch three points.
Pakistan Air Force, with 10 points, are the leaders in Group-A, followed by Wah’s POF one point adrift.
Faisalabad’s Panther FC pocketed six points, followed by PEL (3), Dera XI (2) and Bannu Red (1). HEC has yet to appear in the event.
Friday’s fixtures:
PAKISTAN PREMIER LEAGUE
HBL vs WOHAIB FC (Peoples Stadium, 3.00pm); PIA vs PMC (Korangi Baloch Stadium, Karachi, 3.00pm); AFGHAN FC vs PTV (Govt. High School Ground, Chaman, 3.00pm); PAKISTAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION LEAGUE HEC vs PAF (Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, 3.00pm) and PANTHER FC vs BANNU RED (Panther Ground, Faisalabad, 3.00pm).—APP
