KARACHI, Sept 26: Amir Khan slammed home a first half winner to help defending champions Allied Bank Limited (ABL) edge past PIA 1-0 in a match marred by protest by national carriers and poor umpiring in the President PFF Cup football tournament in Quetta on Friday.

According to information, Amir found the target in the 23rd minute enabling the bankers earn full points.

The bankers almost went 2-0 up as referee Mian Abdul Bari first awarded the goal off an 87th-minute indirect free kick by Haroon Yousuf but later disallowed it after protest from PIA players.

PIA players contended that the indirect free kick went straight into the goal without touching any player on which only a goal kick could be awarded, while referee thought the ball touched a defender before landing into the net.

However, the referee finally reversed his decision only after PIA refused to resume play as a mark of protest.

In another match, Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) scored a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC).

KRL went up with two quick goals in the first half with Sajjad Hussain netting off Sarfaraz Rasool pass in the 34th minute and Sarfaraz blasting home the second three minutes later after dodging past two defenders.

Qadeer Ahmad, who scored twice, got his first in the 57th minute with the ball touching SSGC goalkeeper’s hand before landing on target.

Atiqur Rahman penetrated into goal area and found the cage after dribbling past two defenders and the goalkeeper in the 73rd minute,.

Qadeer slotted home his second and team’s fifth four minutes before time.