HYDERABAD, April 26 In two thrilling semi-final matches at the HESCO Complex on Sunday, Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) eliminated holders Navy and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) beat Wapda by identical scores of 2-1 to reach the final of the NBP National Football Challenge Cup.

It was sweet revenge for the KRL who had lost to Navy 1-3 in the final of the last edition at Karachi.

Both the teams played stubbornly throughout the match. The first real action was noted in the 25th minute when a superb build up on right flank provided KRL with the opener.

Islamabad-born lanky winger Mohammad Qasim curled the ball across the area and spearhead Mohammad Rasool caught it beautifully to tap it in front of Kalimullah and send it crashing into the left corner with a powerful right-footed drive.

Navy under Nomi Martin Gill went all out in quest of a leveller and their repeated attacks earned them the 60th minute equaliser.

Spearhead Sajjad Ahmed saw his drive deflected off keeper Ghulam Nabi and midfielder Asif Bakhsh was on hand to rifle the ball into the left corner.

But Navy`s joy was short-lived as nine minutes later, KRL regained the lead. Kalimullah swept the ball across the penalty area. KRL`s skipper Mohammad Essa failed to connect the ball properly but the unmarked Mohammad Qasim was successful in hammering it into the roof of the net, leaving keeper Ishaq Ahmed stranded.

KRL had another chance to level in the 78th minute but midfielder Shahid Ahmed failed to beat Ishaq who dived full length to block the attempt and earn spectators` applause.

PIA booked final spot when they staged a recovery to beat Wapda.

The second semi-final saw PIA`s Shakir Lashari getting two goals for his side after Wapda getting the lead in the 21st minute.

Playing without suspended winger Rizwan Asif, Wapda went ahead through a penalty awarded by referee Sattar Badini after stopper Zubair Moazzam recklessly challenged the advancing winger Ghulam Abbas. Central defender Rana Fakhar Hayat slotted the ball past Bilal Rafiq`s left hand.

PIA drew level though a free kick. Skipper Nasrullah Khan pushed the ball forward and Shakir unleashed a powerful angular drive towards the left corner just seconds before the halftime whistle to make it 1-1.

PIA dominated the second session. The 68th minute saw Shakir dashing through and driving the ball past keeper Rao Yamin.

Monday`s fixture (Third-place match) Navy v Wapda at 4.45pm.--Agencies