KARACHI: Qadeer Huss­­ain’s treble led Pakistan Army to a 4-0 victory over Pakistan Ordna­nce Factories in their National Challenge Cup match in Rawalpindi on Sunday to go level on points with Group ‘F’ leaders Khan Research Laboratories.

After KRL extended their winning start to two matches on Saturday, Army matched them before the two sides clash in the last round of fixtures to decide which team wins the group.

In Quetta, Nimso Hazara rebounded from a 6-1 thrashing by Group ‘B’ leaders Pak-Afghan Clearing Agency to beat Hazara Coal 3-1 while Higher Education Commission, Pakistan Air Force and SA Farms all won after drawing their openers.

HEC beat Saif Textile by 2-0 in Group ‘E’ which is being played in Lahore, PAF scored twice in stoppage time to complete a 3-0 win over BHCC in their Group ‘G’ game in Peshawar while SA Farms edged their Group ‘D’ clash against Klash Mills 1-0 in Faisalabad.

Elsewhere in the tournament which is being held for the first time since 2020 and features only departmental sides, Asia Ghee Mills beat Ashraf Sugar Mills 2-1 in their Group ‘C’ game in Bahawalpur.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2023