LAHORE, March 3 The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Tuesday announced a 20-member squad for the inaugural Prime Minister Cup 2009 to be played in Kathmandu, Nepal from March 5 to 14.

Chaman-born midfielder Mohammad Essa (KRL), who missed the SAFF Championship 2008 due to fitness problem, will lead the team while NBP's midfielder Abdul Aziz will act as his deputy.

Squad

Goal-keepers Jaffar Khan (Army) and Bilal Rafiq (PIA).

Defenders Naveed Akram, Rana Fakhar Hayat (Wapda), Mohammad Ahmed, Samar Ishaq (KRL), Aurangzeb (KPT), Mehmood Khan, Atiqullah (NBP), Ali Ehsan (PIA), Mohammad Imran (Army).

Midfielders Mohammad Essa (KRL) [captain], Abdul Aziz (NBP) [vice-captain], Nasrullah Khan (PIA), Jadeed Khan (Afghan FC).

Strikers Mohammad Qasim, Mohammad Rasool (KRL), Asif Mehmood (Navy), Safiullah Khan (NWFP), Shakir Lashari (PIA).

Officials George Kottan (head coach), Syed Nasir Ismail, Shahzad Anwar (coaches), Mohammad Aslam Khan (goalkeeping coach), Dr Kamran Mehdi (physiotherapist). —Agencies