KARACHI: Mohammad Farhan hit a brace to guide Navy to a 3-1 victory over struggling Habib Bank Limited (HBL) while Afghan FC held former champions Army to a 1-1 draw in the 9th Pakistan Premier Football League on Tuesday, 4 Dec 2012.
Here at the People’s Sports Complex, Farhan’s double added to the misery of Habib Bank as Navy recorded their fifth win from 22 games to take their tally to 23 points.
Adnan scored the third goal for the sailors while Atif landed the consolation goal for the bankers.
“We had a good start to our crucial phase as the players were fresh and I believe we will produce better results in the days to come,” Navy coach Commander Mehfooz told ‘The News’.
Habib Bank coach Yousuf Khan lamented his strikers’ failure to convert chances. “We played well and still lost the game as we could not convert chances,” Yousuf said.
Habib Bank could have struck in the sixth minute, but Asim, after carrying the ball from the midfield, smashed it straight to the lone standing keeper instead of nudging it towards the far post.
Navy took the initiative when Farhan scored a fine goal in the 15th minute. At half time, Navy had 1-0 edge. Farhan struck his second goal in the 65th minute for Navy to make the things even more difficult for the bankers.
But Habib Bank, following a few nasty rallies, reduced the deficit in the 85th minute through Atif. All this did not disturb the visitors Navy who added to their tally through Adnan four minutes later to seal a comfortable victory.
Habib Bank, with the loss, were left reeling at 17 points from 21 meetings.
Navy have been awarded their five games out of eight at their own venue at the Navy Sports Complex in Karsaz.
“Yes, we have been awarded five matches at our own venue and I hope it will go in our favour,” Mehfooz said.
‘The News’ learnt that Geo Super will telecast the last three matches live from the Peoples Sports Complex which will add to the beauty of the event.
Meanwhile, former two-time champions Army failed to claim full points as they were held by Afghan FC at the Government High School Ground in Chaman.
But the single point steered Army to the top of the table with 47 points from 22 meetings.
International striker Mohammad Ikram put soldiers ahead in the 24th minute. But Afghan FC, who proved themselves a tough opposition at their own backyard, brought an equaliser through Abdul Samad in the 41st minute.
In the second half both sides played aggressively, but failed to score.
Afghan FC with the single point moved to 26 from 21 appearances. Today (Wednesday) will be a rest day.
Source: The News
| # | Team | MP | W | D | L | F | A | D | P | Last 5 matches | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Pakistan Army | 22 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 31 | 9 | +22 | 47 | D W W W W | |
| 2 |  |
KRL | 18 | 14 | 4 | 0 | 43 | 10 | +33 | 46 | W W W W W | |
| 3 | Muslim | 23 | 12 | 7 | 4 | 32 | 22 | +10 | 43 | W W W W D | ||
| 4 | Pakistan Air Force | 21 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 38 | 14 | +24 | 40 | D D D W W | ||
| 5 | Karachi Electric | 19 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 33 | 14 | +19 | 39 | L W W W W | ||
| 6 | National Bank | 21 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 22 | 19 | +3 | 30 | L L D L L | ||
| 7 | WAPDA | 20 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 30 | 24 | +6 | 26 | D W L L L | ||
| 8 | Afghan FC | 21 | 7 | 5 | 9 | 18 | 23 | -5 | 26 | D W W W L | ||
| 9 | Pakistan Navy | 22 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 19 | 27 | -8 | 23 | W L L L D | ||
| 10 | |
Pakistan Airlines | 20 | 4 | 9 | 7 | 13 | 18 | -5 | 21 | W D L L D | |
| 11 | |
ZTBL | 21 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 14 | 24 | -10 | 20 | L D L D W | |
| 12 | |
Baloch | 22 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 14 | 34 | -20 | 19 | W D W W D | |
| 13 | Karachi Port Trust | 19 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 28 | -13 | 17 | L L D L D | ||
| 14 | Habib Bank | 21 | 3 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 30 | -19 | 17 | L L D L D | ||
| 15 | PMC Athletico | 19 | 1 | 11 | 7 | 13 | 21 | -8 | 14 | L D D L D | ||
| 16 | Wohaib | 19 | 1 | 5 | 13 | 8 | 37 | -29 | 8 | L L L L W |