ISLAMABAD, Dec 29: National champions Pakistan Wapda added another feather to their cap when they kept their spot kick goal alive to edge past the Pakistan Air Force 1-0 in the 31st National Games football event final in Islamabad on Wednesday. After capturing Pakistan Premier Football League (PFFL) title at Karachi earlier this month, it was another triumphant day for Wapda footballers.
Wapda, whose coach Mohammad Habib is a qualified international coach, regained the National Games crown after 18 years. Wapda’s last triumph was recorded at Lahore in 1992 under late Mohammad Aslam Japani.
Wapda dominated the 90-minute tussle against the PAF, the 1982 National Games champions.
The lone goal of the trophy-deciding match came in the 62nd minute when referee Chaman Khan penalised a reckless challenge by the PAF inside the area and immediately pointed to the spot. Wapda skipper Arif Mahmood made no mistake from the penalty mark.
It turned out to be a disappointing event for five-time National Games gold medallists and holders Pakistan Army, who lost to Pakistan Navy 2-4 on penalty shoot-out after the match remained goalless in regulation time.
Luckless Army fielded an under-strength line-up as many of their players are still busy with the PPFL in Karachi.—APP
