Army begin Challenge Cup defence with win

Army begin Challenge Cup defence with win

LAHORE: Pakistan Army, Karachi United and Falcon Group started off their 2020 National Challenge Cup campaign with wins as Pakistan’s premier cup competition kicked off in Lahore on Monday.

At the Punjab Stadium, Army beat Baloch FC Noushki 3-0 in their Group ‘A’ match, thanks to goals by Mateen, Afzaal and Qadeer Hussain at the 26th, 44th and 47th minute marks.

At the Fame FC Ground, HEC and Pakistan Police played a 2-2 draw in the other Group ‘A’ match. HEC came from behind twice during the match after Jamil Ahmed scored the first goal for Police in the third minute. HEC equalized in the 17th minute courtesy Asadullah.

In the 24th minute, Police regained the lead thanks to Qamar’s goal. However, it was Abdul Kalam’s 58th minute equalizer which decided both teams will take a point home.

In the second match at the Punjab Stadium, Anees Fakir’s 37th minute strike was enough to give Karachi United a 1-0 triumph over NBP in their Group ‘B’ match.

Later, in another Group ‘B’ fixture, at the Fame FC Ground, Falcon Company were helped by goals by Sardar Wali (second minute) and Sanaullah (90th minute) to seal their first win of the tournament.

A minute’s silence was observed before kick off in all four matches to honour former Pakistan National Team captain Wali Muhammad and Argentina legend Diego Maradona, who passed away recently.

Schedule for Tuesday, December 1, 2020:
KRL vs KPT, Punjab Stadium, 10am PST
Saif Tex vs Popo FC, Fame FC Ground, 10am PST
PCAA vs Afghan FC Chaman, Punjab Stadium, 12pm PST
Lyallpur FC vs Baloch FC Quetta, Fame FC Ground, 2pm PST

Press Release from PFF. Matches can be viewed online here: https://mycujoo.tv/en/competition/national-challenge-cup/season/2020