LAHORE: Army, Karachi United and Falcon Group earned victories on the opening day of the National Challenge Cup-2020 at different grounds here on Monday.

In the pool-A, Army outplayed Baloch Club, Noushki 3-0 at the Punjab Stadium. Mateen, Afzaal and Qadeer Hussain shared the scoring honours, with a goal each in the 26th, 44th and 47th minute, respectively.

In another match at the same ground, In the second match at the Punjab Stadium, Anees Fakir’s 37th-minute goal helped Karachi United to register 1-0 triumph over NBP in their Group ‘B’ match.

At the Fame Club ground, Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Police played a 2-2 draw in the other Group ‘A’ match. HEC came from behind twice during the match after Jamil Ahmed scored the first goal for Police in the 3rd minute. HEC equalized in the 17th-minute courtesy of Asadullah.

In the 24th minute, Police regained the lead thanks to Qamar’s goal. However, it was Abdul Kalam’s 58th-minute equaliser which decided both teams will take one point each.

Later, in another Group ‘B’ fixture, at the same ground, Falcon Company chalked up 2-0 win against Humma Club. Sardar Wali (2nd minute) and Sanaullah (90th minute) to seal the fate of the match.

A minute’s the silence was observed before kick-off in all four matches to honour former Pakistan National Team captain Wali Mohammad and Argentina legend Diego Maradona, who passed away recently.

Tuesday’s fixtures:

KRL vs KPT, Punjab Stadium, 10am PST;Saif Tex vs Popo Club, Fame Club Ground; PCAA vs Afghan Club Chaman, Punjab Stadium;

Lyallpur Club vs Baloch Club Quetta, Fame Club Ground, 2pm PST.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2020