KARACHI, Aug 24: Two-goal Imran Hussain fired Pakistan Army to a 3-1 victory over Habib Bank (HBL) in the Premier League soccer at Aga Khan Gymkhana on Wednesday.

The soldiers took a perfect start when they opened the scoring in the 27th minute through an Imran goal.

Imran got his second two minutes into the second session, while Army completed the tally with a Faqeer Hussain strike in the 49th minute.

All HBL could do was to score a consolation goal with a Nazeer strike three minutes before time.

In another match at CDGK Stadium, Pakistan Navy and National Bank (NBP) played a lacklustre but ill-tempered 0-0 draw.

The bankers had their first opportunity in the 35th minute but Jameel Ahmad missed the target from 18 metres.

The sailors put pressure on the bankers in the second half and came close to scoring only to see a Nasir Hussain lob missing the target in the 55th minute. Navy’s international Nomi Martin Gill could have broken the deadlock but his dipping header was well taken by NBP goalkeeper Zahid Taj.

The 66th minute saw an ugly scene when Nomi was kicked by NBP defender Aurangzaib. The situation became worse when the players from both sides were involved in exchange of hot words and Nomi was pushed by NBP’s Mohammad Tariq but surprisingly referee Younus Lal did not show any card.

Navy goalkeeper received medical treatment as there was no stretcher at the ground, although the event is the most prestigious of the country.

An effort by bankers Nisar Ali from 25 metres missed the target, while sailors were unlucky when Nomi’s header rattled the bar in the 80th minute.

The referee and the match officials were once again oblivious of yet another breach of rules when a NBP player went outside after receiving medical treatment in the field and came back a few moments later without referee’s permission.

The bankers looked dangerous when Jameel’s booming

25-metre kick was well saved by Navy goalkeeper in the 85th minute. Navy counter-attacked only to hit the side-netting through Mohammad Basharat.

Thursday’s fixture:

PTCL v KPT at CDGK Stadium.