KARACHI: Nimso and International Supply Company punched their way into the quarter-finals of the National Challenge Cup with contrasting victories on Friday, as Khan Research Laboratories also advanced and Hayyan Khattak starred in a comeback win for Mamsons.

At the KMC Stadium, Pakistan international midfielder Hayyan Khattak scored a superb brace to help Mamsons overturn a 1-0 deficit against PAF in their Group ‘A’ opener.

PAF had taken an 18th-minute lead through Abdul Samad’s powerful finish and hit the crossbar before Hayyan levelled in first-half injury time. He completed the comeback in the 77th minute, volleying home a rebound off his own shot that struck the bar.

“I’m buzzing,” Hayyan said afterwards. “I visualised these goals … I saw these coming.”

The result sets up a decisive Group ‘A’ finale between Mamsons and Navy on Sunday, with all three teams still able to advance.

In Group ‘B’ at the KPT Stadium, KRL sealed their last-eight berth with a convincing 3-0 win over Hazara Coal Company.

Adeel opened the scoring in the 30th minute, followed by Asad’s strike 10 minutes later and a finish from captain Waqar Ehtisham in the 48th.

The result means defending champions Wapda need only a draw against Hazara Coal Company in their final group match on Sunday to join KRL in the knockout stage.

International Supply Company joined KRL in qualifying from Group ‘C’ with a 1-0 win over Railways. The match was decided five minutes from time when Rizwan converted a penalty after Salman Umer was fouled by Railways’ Ali Imran.

Railways had earlier seen a goal ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper.

“It was a tough game but we played well overall and are through,” said player-of-the-match Owais.

In Group D, Nimso took control with a 2-0 win over PACA.

Zulfiqar opened the scoring in the 17th minute, and five minutes later Altaf Hussain curled in a free kick from the edge of the box.

Player-of-the-match Zulfiqar said his team “will look to continue the same way in the next match and beyond.” The defeat leaves PACA needing a favourable result in Sunday’s match between Nimso and SA Gardens to keep their hopes of advancing.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2026