HYDERABAD, April 22 After losing to lesser experienced teams, National Bank of Pakistan`s (NBP) defeat at the hands of the mighty Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) was expected.

The organisers were beaten 1-3 in the final of the group matches in the NBP National Football Challenge Cup (NFCC) at the HESCO Complex on Wednesday.

KRL`s goals came through their striker Mohammad Rasool (30th and 87th minutes) and captain Mohammad Essa (74th minute). NBP`s lone goal was scored by striker Mohammad Asif in the 54th minute.

In the other match, Pakistan Steel beat Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) 4-3.

Steel`s goals were scored by spearhead A. Wahab (ninth and 78th minutes), midfielder Mohammad Arshad (16th minute) and striker Maqbool Ahmed (26th minute).

Striker Attaullah (25th and 85th minutes) and midfielder Sabir Khan (59th minute) scored for SSGC.

Meanwhile, Sindh Government Press (SGP) and Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) played a goalless draw. Still SGP made it to the quarter-finals on a better goal average.

Thursday`s fixtures (quarter-finals) Wapda v KPT at 8.30am; HBL v Navy at 4.45pm.--Agencies