KARACHI, Aug 27: Abdul Khaliq’s late magical strike gave full points to Karachi Port Trust (KPT) with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Pakistan Army in the Premier League soccer at CDGK Stadium on Saturday.

The first half saw both sides struggling for the opening goal apart from few controversial decisions by referee Younus Lal that went against the soldiers.

KPT got a great chance of scoring in the 40th minute but Asim Faiz took too long to act from 16 metres, although only Army goalkeeper Jaffar Khan, who saved the effort, was alone.

The winners again pressed for the goal through with a swift move, Naseer Ahmad sweeping off Abdul Rauf pass only to shake the woodwork.

Armymen were also not so lucky as two minutes later Mohammad Kashif try rattled the bar, while Jaffar Hussain missed on a left side cross despite being in a perfect position at goalmouth a minute before halftime.

Army took an aggressive start after lemon time through Imran Hussain whose 16-metre drive missed the target two minutes after re-start. Army’s Abid Gill was yellow carded in the 58th minute.

It was in the 60th minute the KPT started to dominate the game when substitute Khaliq was finally ordered by bench official to scramble. Just two minutes later on the other end Army’s Abid Gill was involved in a solo effort that hit the side-netting.

The soldiers were in danger in the 80th minute when Jaffar, the experienced Pakistan goalkeeper, spilled a cross from the left by Mohammad Amin but the Armymen eased the tensions by clearing the ball before KPT attackers acted.

Imran was once again in action two minutes later from 16 metres only to see KPT goalkeeper Zulfiqar Ali producing a fine save.

Seasoned Khaliq, who was operating down the right continuously penetrating and tormenting the Army defences, did what he was expected after one-two exchanges with Fareed Majeed.

Khaliq, whose match-winner against PTCL two days ago gave KPT precious points after 1-0 win, was the creator and the scorer of the spectacular goal. He swiftly moved through the defenders to hook a pass to Fareed Majeed who perfectly fed anticipating Khaliq to see the playmaker slotting home the match-winner a minute before time.

Inspired by Khaliq goal, KPT mounted couple of attacks but Amin was wide off the mark when his long range drive missed the net seconds before the end.

Qadeer’s equaliser helped Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) force a 1-1 draw with Habib Bank (HBL) at Aga Khan Gymkhana.

After a string of defeats, the bankers managed to score a point and netted through Nazeer in the 25th minute before Qadeer levelled in the 35th minute.

Sunday’s fixture: PTCL v PWD.