KARACHI, Oct 21: Imran Hussain’s late effort helped Pakistan Army march into the knock-out stage in the President PFF Cup football championship after a narrow 1-0 win over CTMF Monday.

It was the second time Imran rescued Army as his four-goal onslaught earlier against newcomers Pakistan Machine Tool Factory (PMTF) had saved the soldiers’ blushes.

PMTF also qualified for the second round from Group ‘A’, along with Army after Crescent Textile Mills Faisalabad’s (CTMF) second defeat of the tournament.

Karachi Port Trust (KPT), a favourite local outfit, having won against POF 3-1, sneaked into the last 16 after Afghan Agency Chaman (AAC) held POF 0-0 in Group ‘E’.

Zahid Niaz again was PIA’s hat trick hero, scoring his second of the contest in his side’s 3-1 victory over Railways in a Group ‘B’ game. The national flag carrier emerged as group leaders after this win.

Group champions Army, with their three players sidelined by injuries, got off to an attacking start as their strikers Ehsanullah, Mohammad Riaz and Imran, made deep inroads.

Both sides could not break the deadlock despite retaliatory raids against each other. The first half finished without score.

The soldiers met some resistance from their rivals and kept increasing pressure on the other hand that resulted in a goal from Imran in the 85th minute. The high-stepping Imran received a Ejaz pass to score and earn precious points for his side.

Army’s hero Imran, however, became the villain the next minute after he failed to convert the penalty as CTMF goalkeeper Fida Hussain saved his shot.

POF’s trio of Nasir Ali, Jawaid Iqbal and Manzoor worked in unison but some excellent goalkeeping by AAC’s Abdul Salam saved at least four goals before the break. AAC also penetrated POF defence but could not break the ice.

Although if one goes by the scoreline, PIA’s victory seems impressive, all the three goals were a result of slipshod defensive play by Railways.

It was slip-ups and feeble Railways defence which allowed PIA’s half-hearted efforts to bear fruit rather than PIA’s weak attacks which resulted in goals.

The national carrier could have easily scored a bigger margin triumph, but lacked firepower and the will in a match that held no importance except deciding the group leaders.

After PIA’s Mohammad Omar try was saved by Railways goalkeeper Mohammad Tariq in 32nd minute, Zahid got his first on 40 minutes.

Zahid virtually walked the ball into the net after a Abdur Rahman gap pass as Railways defenders and wrong-footed Tariq completely miscalculated the PIA move.

PIA remained unimpressive in the second half and instead collected couple of yellow cards for committing fouls on Railways.

Zahid was supported by Abdul Ghaffar in the 63rd minute to slam home the second, again thanks to a disorganized Railways defence that invited PIA to score.

PIA, like the first half, made several attacks and tore through Railways defence but missed each time they had opportunities.

Railways, who had a better forward-line, got consolation with Fareed Kamran heading home a Tariq Jawaid cross in the 82nd minute.

PIA got their third undeserved goal when Railways’ Mohammad Saeed put the ball into his own net via a Zahid cross six minutes before time.

Tuesday’s fixtures:

HBL v PAF at 11.30am; Wapda v Agha Gas Quetta at 3.30pm