KARACHI: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) began their National Challenge Cup campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Pakistan Navy, while three other matches ended in draws as the tournament got under way at two venues here on Wednesday.

Arsalan struck deep into stoppage time to settle an evenly contested encounter at the KPT Stadium, latching on to a loose ball after a goalkeeping error from a long throw and firing into the roof of the net two minutes into added time.

PAF face Mamsons on Friday, while Navy conclude their group fixtures against the same opponents on Sunday.

At the KMC Stadium, two-time defending champions Wapda were held to a goalless draw by Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in a cagey Group ‘B’ contest where clear chances were at a premium.

“Both teams were well-matched, so a draw is a fair result,” said Wapda head coach Mohammad Habib.

KRL play Hazara Coal on Friday, with Wapda meeting Hazara Coal in their final group match on Sunday.

In Group ‘C’, Pakistan Railways scored late to earn a 1-1 draw against Pakistan Army at the KPT Stadium. After a goalless first half, Army took the lead in the 58th minute through Rafay, who finished after breaking free of the defence.

Railways equalised in the 88th minute when Mohammad Suleman ran on to a through ball from Mohammad Abdullah and calmly slotted home.

“Our plan was to counterattack and it worked in the end,” said Railways head coach Nasir Ismail. Railways play International Supply Company on Friday.

SA Gardens also struck in injury time to salvage a point in Group ‘D’, holding PACA to a 1-1 draw at the KMC Stadium. Umar Javed tapped in from a low cross in the third minute of added time at the end of the match.

PACA had gone ahead earlier, scoring in the seventh minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half through Sharef Khan. They face NIMSO in their next game on Tuesday.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2026