KARACHI: Wapda clinched the National Challenge Cup title for a third successive time after edging out Khan Research Laboratories 1-0 in a tense final on Sunday, courtesy a late strike from Samnan Qureshi.

With the match seemingly heading towards extra time, Samnan broke the deadlock four minutes from the final whistle. Latching on to a long pass from Shayek Dost, he brought the ball under control before calmly side-footing it past the goalkeeper to seal victory.

The final was a closely-contested affair, with both sides battling hard but creating few clear-cut chances. Two-time champions Wapda, however, showed greater composure in the decisive moments and held firm after taking the lead to secure the crown.

“The moment I got the ball, I only had eyes on the goal,” Samnan said. “The first touch set it up perfectly for me.”

Shayek, featuring in his first match of the tournament after returning from suspension, expressed delight over his contribution.

“The coach told me that we had to push forward in the dying minutes and try to get a goal,” he said. “I received the ball on the left and saw Samnan making a run. I knew I had to find him.”

Earlier, SA Gardens defeated Pakistan Army 4-2 on penalties after their third-place playoff ended 2-2 in regulation time.

KRL’s Waqar Baloch was named player of the tournament, while Wapda’s Ali Raza claimed the golden boot. Hassan Ali of Wapda was adjudged the best goalkeeper.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2026