LAHORE: A goal each by Ambreen, Kalsoom and Azra Naz helped Wapda overcome Punjab University Club to win the final of the third All-Pakistan Fatima Jinnah Gold Cup Hockey Tournament by a close margin 3-2 at the District Hockey Ground, Multan on Thursday.

Wapda’s captain Amina Mir was instrumental in her team’s first two goals while Hina and Sehrish were outstanding for the PU Club.

Amina’s first straight hit from the 25-yard line in the 23rd minute was neatly deflected by Ambreen, the top scorer of the tournament, to give Wapda 1-0 lead. Amina again struck an accurate hit in the 31st which was ably deflected by Kalsoom to score the second goal for Wapda.

The drama reached its climax in the third quarter when PU Club trailing by two goals launched ferocious attacks amid short passes by Hina and Sehrish which surprised star-studded Wapda.

Hina took the ball in the 37th minute and dodged two defenders to enter the ‘D’ where her straight hit reduced the deficit. However, PU Club’s spirit was dampened when Wapda’s Azra scored the third goal for her team in the 43rd minute with PU Club’s Unaiza scoring later on the second goal for her team.

At 3-2 the match entered into an exciting stage as both teams fought hard to take control of the ball. Hina and Sehrish maintained their speed and stamina but their team-mates were slow to catch up on their pace which deprived PU Club to level the score.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2015

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