KARACHI: A series of spectacular goals provided the highlights as the group stage of the National Challenge Cup concluded on Sunday, with Mamsons, Pakistan Air Force, Wapda, Pakistan Army and SA Gardens securing places in the quarter-finals.

The standout moments came from Wapda’s Ali Raza, who struck an acrobatic overhead kick, and Pakistan Army’s Mohammad Rafay, whose first-time volley from a corner drew applause.

In Group ‘A’, Mamsons held Pakistan Navy to a goalless draw at the KPT Stadium to finish top of the group. Navy, needing a win to qualify, dominated possession and forced Mamsons goalkeeper Usman Ali into two early saves but failed to convert their chances. Mamsons defended resolutely in the second half to deny Navy the breakthrough.

Mamsons will face Group ‘B’ runners-up Khan Research Laboratories in the quarter-finals.

Wapda topped Group ‘B’ with a commanding 5-0 win over Hazara Coal at the KMC Stadium. Ali Raza scored a hat-trick, netting twice inside the opening six minutes before producing a stunning overhead kick from a corner. Mohammad Adeel added a third just before the interval, Ahmed Faheem struck after the restart, and Ali completed his treble in the 53rd minute. Wapda will meet Pakistan Air Force in the last eight.

Pakistan Army finished top of Group ‘C’ after defeating International Supply Company at the KPT Stadium. Rafay opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a well-taken volley. Army missed a chance to double their lead when Afzaal’s penalty was saved by Akhtar Ali, but Subhan Karim sealed the win with a breakaway goal in the 61st minute. Army now face Nimso.

In Group ‘D’, 10-man SA Gardens edged Nimso 1-0 at the KMC Stadium to claim top spot. Despite Ali Khan Niazi’s early dismissal, Shahzeb Nawaz headed home the winner in the 53rd minute. SA Gardens will take on International Supply Company in the quarter-finals.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2026