Lahore, 5 Dec: Pakistani skipper Muhammad Essa put up sparkling striking power as KESC edged out KPT 2-0 in the 194th match of Pakistan Premier Football League at Peoples Sports Complex, Mauripur Road, Lyari Town. The 194 matches saw 505 goals with 15 hat-tricks. The first leg saw KESC winning 3-1 at KPT stadium on 16 September 2010. KESC, who remained in third place fifth place, were lucky to win the match as KPT controlled much of the game and will rue missed opportunities to return home as loser.
Both the teams missed real opportunities in the first eleven minute through Riaz Ahmed ( KESC) and Muhammad bin Younus (KPT). The 24th minute saw KPT skipper Akhtar Mamil cleared the ball from goal line after Riaz’s attempt was going into net. Zadid had clear cut chance in the 25th minute but he mistimed the drive. KESC stopped goaldraught in the 36th minute with midfielder Muhammad Moosa’s free kick finding Essa. The SAF Games gold medallist in 2004, 2006- suspicion of offside – controlled the ball down before dispatching a volley which went past keeper Ehsan Ullah’s left hand. KPT protest against the goal but referee Waheed Murad had blown for the goal as AR Shahid Hussain’s flag stayed down. KPT suffered further frustration when lanky Ismail Baba, angered over the off side verdict, used abusive language against Shahid and Waheed, ran to KPT dug out, flashed Red card in front of Ismail in the 39th minute. KESC led 1-0 at interval.
KPT dominated the scond session and arrival of right winger Zafar Majeed infused new spirit among the players. He himself fumbled 69th minute chance and two minutes later Muhammad bin Younus back heel created the gate for Asian Cupper Shahid Salim who drove the ball wide of right corner. A minute later Muhammad Zahid failed to beat keeper and SFL Hero Muhammasd Omer. Shahid had another chamnce from point blank range in the 31st minute off Zafar’s cross but he failed to accomplish the task. Zafar fed another chance in the 81st minute but Muhammad and Shahid failed to tuck the ball in, followed by Shakir Taj miss within a minute.
KESC consolidated the lead in the fourth minute of injury time when in the 90+4 minute, Essa met the lovely right wing cross from winger Orangzeb Shahmir and his header was too smart for young keeper Ehsan. With two goals, Essa joined Muhammad Rasool and Abdul Rehman as joint top scorers for KESC with ten goals, followed by Orangzaib Shahmir 8 Goals. KESC slammed 49 goals in 23 matches.
Placed third after League leader WAPDA and Army, KESC managed 44 points from 23 matches while fifth-placed KPT, having a game in hand, gathered 40 points in 22 matches
Monday (6 Dec) Fixtures : : Afghan FC v KRL (Govt. High School, Chaman 2.30 PM) , Baloch FC v WAPDA (Noushki Football Stadium 2.30 PM)