KARACHI, Oct 18: Newcomers PMTF pulled off a major surprise in the President PFF Cup football championship when they downed formidable CTMF 2-1 at People’s Sports Complex Friday.

Abdul Haq was the hero of Pakistan Machine Tool Factory (PMTF) as he first scored equaliser and then fired home the winner to give his side their first victory of the tournament.

PMTF, who gave a fright to defending champions Pakistan Army before losing 4-2 in their first game, went on the attack from the start against Crescent Textile Mills Faisalabad (CTMF), but failed to open the score.

CTMF’s Mohammad Sarfaraz made inroads in the first half but were denied by PMTF goalkeeper Mukhtar Ahmad and defenders Mohammad Faraz and Akbar Ali.

PMTF retaliated through Mohammad Moosa, Ghulam Mustafa and Kareem Bukhsh. But CTMF’s defenders Muzamil Hussain, Munir Ahmad, Mohammad Idrees and keeper Fida Hussain were vigilant.

After a barren first half, PMTF wasted an opportunity when Liaquat Ali’s effort was stopped by Fida. CTMF pressed hard and finally went ahead with a 62nd-minute header from Munir Ahmad, who followed a Mohammad Sajjad cross.

Abdul Haq capitalised on a defensive mistake by defenders and goalkeeper to slam home and level the score 1-1 in the 71st minute.

Ten minutes later, Abdul Haq again came into action when he slotted home a Abdul Kareem pass.

Saturday’s fixtures:

PAF v City District Government Karachi at 11.45pm; Railways v PWD at 1.45pm; POF v KPT at 3.45pm.