KRL face Wapda in Challenge Cup decider
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KARACHI: Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and Wapda. stormed into the final of the National Challenge Cup after registering identical 4-0 victories in their semi-finals at the KPT Stadium on Friday.
KRL outclassed Pakistan Army with a dominant display, while Wapda brushed aside SA Gardens to set up a mouth-watering title clash on Sunday.
KRL controlled possession from the outset and went ahead in the 26th minute through a stunning long-range effort by Ali Zafar. Receiving the ball on the right, he unleashed a rising drive that dipped late to beat Army goalkeeper Mohammad Faheem.
The lead was doubled two minutes after the restart when Zaid Umer curled in a superb free-kick. Awarded a set-piece on the right flank, Zaid struck a left-footed effort that sailed over the wall and nestled into the bottom corner.
Army’s task became even more difficult when Hazrat Abbas was sent off for pulling down an opponent to deny a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
KRL capitalised on the numerical advantage, adding two more goals late in the game. Ali Agha tapped in from close range in the 70th minute before Sameer Abbas completed the rout in the 83rd, converting on the rebound after his initial effort had been blocked.
“It’s a great win for us,” Zaid said. “We were up against a tough opponent but showed our strength. We hope to repeat the performance in the final.”
In the other semi-final, Wapda produced an equally commanding performance, with Ali Raza playing a pivotal role in their emphatic victory.
The striker opened the scoring in the 30th minute, latching on to a deft reverse pass from Fareedullah and finishing neatly with the outside of his right foot.
Ali was again involved in the second goal six minutes later, cutting in from the right and firing a low shot that was deflected into the net by Mohibullah.
SA Gardens struggled to contain Wapda’s attacking moves and fell further behind in the 53rd minute when Ali converted from the penalty spot after a handball inside the area.
Hammad Hassan rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, slotting home a rebound to seal Wapda’s place in the final.
“Really delighted with the performance,” Ali said. “We imposed ourselves from the start and once we got the first goal, things became easier. We’re looking to do the same in the final.”
Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2026
