Navy still on top in PPFL

Published December 8, 2009

LAHORE, Dec 7 Navy staged a remarkable recovery to beat Pakistan Air Force (PAF) 2-1 while National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) held Wapda to a 2-2 draw in the two Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) matches played on Monday.

At the Naval Complex, Islamabad, the seamen were 0-1 down in the 86th minute but managed to turn the tide in their favour in the final two minutes to earn full three points.

PAF's frontrunner Mohammad Iqbal scored in the 86th minute but Navy's winger Asif Mahmood neutralized the lead in the 88th minute after skipper Nomi Martin Gill opened the gate for him. The experienced striker Mohammad Basharat raced on to Jabbar Hussain's pass to steer in the winner in injury time.

It was the 26th and final match for both teams. Navy are on top with 57 points while PAF have 25 points assuring them entry in next years league.

Meanwhile, Wapda suffered a setback when they threw away a 2-1 lead with NBP's midfielder Abbas Ali snatching the 75th minute equalizer to bring the score line to 2-2.

Imran Niazi gave Wapda the 17th-minute lead but Mohammad Asif levelled the issue for the home team in the 66th minute. Zulfiqar Shah regained advantage for the holders in the 73rd minute and it was left to Abbas to clip the equalizer as the match ended on a 2-2 scoreline.

Tuesday's fixtures PIA v Army at Peoples Sports Complex, Karachi; HBL v KRL at Korangi Baloch Stadium, Karachi.—Agencies.