KARACHI: Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) showed no signs of a possible breakdown in Balochistan as they eased past Afghan FC 2-0 to extend their lead at the top of the Pakistan Premier Football League on Saturday.

KRL’s three games in Balochistan before their final leg here were described by their manager Tariq Lutfi as the most challenging as they continue their charge towards retaining their title but his team showed no signs of slowing down.

Defender Kamran Ali put KRL ahead in the 60th minute from a set-piece after a goalless first-half at the Government High School in Chaman before the league’s top-scorer Kaleemullah scored in the 72nd with a trademark poacher’s goal as the champions went to 61 points from 23 games.

At the other end of the table, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) went up to 27 points after a 3-0 victory over PMC Athletico, who remain above the relegation zone only on goal difference.

Shakir Lashari scored twice in the first-half, stealing a march on the PMC defenders in the 12th and 38th minutes here at the Korangi Baloch Stadium before Zeeshan Ali added gloss to their victory when he netted ten minutes from time.

Basement side Wohaib FC’s catastrophic season continued on Saturday after a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) here at the KPT Football Stadium.

The KPT joined PIA on 27 points after first-half goals by Sarmad and Mohammad Bin Younis. Wohaib remain rooted on eight points.

Sunday’s Fixture: NBP v ZTBL (KPT Football Stadium, Karachi). —Sports Reporter