KARACHI: Abdul Rehman hit a brace as Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) came from two goals down to defeat Karachi Port Trust (KPT) 3-2 in a thrilling encounter of the Pakistan Premier Football League at the KPT Stadium here on Monday, 9 Sept 2013.
Abdul Rehman was joined on the scoresheet by dashing striker Mohammad Rasool, who is likely to regain his place in the national team after he was ignored by former coach Zavisa Milosavljevic. Junaid Qadir and Mohammad Waseem struck for KPT. KESC, who had defeated Habib Bank 2-1 in their opener at the same venue, were in deep trouble after conceding two goals.
International Junaid Qadir put KPT ahead in the eighth minute before Mohammad Waseem Cheena doubled their lead in the 61st minute. At this stage it seemed that KESC, the last season’s runners-up, would not be able to bounce back. But they surprised everyone with a stunning onslaught during which they hit three goals in nine minutes to seal an unbelievable victory. The victory took them to six points from two games.
Abdul Rehman, who previously played for KPT, struck in 74th and 75th minutes to level the scores before Chitral-born Mohammad Rasool landed the winner in the 82nd minute. This was the first loss for KPT, who now have four points from three outings.
“We were on top in the first half and most part of the second half. But after 70 minutes our defence crashed,” KPT coach Mohammad Asif told ‘The News’. “We are short of defenders. Had we had another defender in the back-up we could have prevented this,” Asif said.
KPT have been weakened by the termination of a dozen of top quality players a few months back. KESC coach Akbar Ali was happy with the outcome. “We made a strong comeback,” Akbar said. “In the first half we missed a handful of chances. In the second half after we conceded the second goal I told my players if they scored a goal then the rivals’ defence would crash. And it happened as we scored three goals inside nine minutes,” Akbar said.
He lauded the way Abdul Rehman scored goals. “Both of Rehman’s goals were of top quality,” said Akbar.
KESC are still waiting for the NOC from the government for the Nigerian player they have hired. “We are desperately waiting for the NOC,” Akbar said.
“His joining the team will be a breakthrough for us,” the coach said.
Today’s fixture: ZTBL v PAF (Railways Stadium, Lahore).
from: The News