KARACHI: A series of missed chances deprived Pakistan Air Force (PAF) of a win when they were held by Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) to a goalless draw in their match of the Pakistan Premier Football League at the Railways Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday.
PAF dominated the proceedings in the initial 20 minutes, but their frontline failed to click, missing a few open net opportunities.
In the 12th minute Arif Nawaz came close to scoring for PAF but his drive from short range went off the target.
In the 19th minute Irfan Ali failed to capitalise on a cross from Mohammad Mujahid, who was part of the Pakistan team in the SAFF Cup in Kathmandu.
Near the end of the first half Irfan missed another open net chance to leave his management in utter distress.
At half time, the match was evenly poised without any goal.
After the breather, ZTBL had good ball possession, but they also wasted a chance when their forward Naeem Iqbal failed to covert a combined move.
The single point helped PAF stretch their points tally to four from three outings, while ZTBL opened their account with one point after four appearances.
PAF coach Shehzad Anwar, who was acting as head coach of Pakistan team in the SAFF Cup, is likely to join the team in the next few days. Shehzad is a License A coach and has done well in Nepal as Pakistan coach.
His joining will help PAF, the last season’s fourth-placed finishers, to improve their performance in the league.
According to rules those teams who play without a License B coach will be fined Rs25,000 per match.
Karachi Port Trust (KPT), who are playing without License B coach, have been fined for the violation.
Habib Bank have got the services of former international Zafar Iqbal for the season and the same has been done by the other outfits.
Today’s fixtures: Navy v Habib Bank (KPT Stadium, Karachi), Lyallpur FC v Army (Model Town Football Academy Ground, Lahore).
Source: The News