LAHORE: Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) stamped their authority on young POPO FC with a deluge of goals winning 9-0 and topping Group C with 9 out of 9 points in 2020 National Challenge Cup on Tuesday, 8 December.
Karachi Port Trust (KPT) thrashed hapless Saif Tex 4-1 to finish 2nd on better goal difference in Group C, while Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) had to fight for a 1-1 draw against Baloch FC Quetta to top Group D while Afghan FC Chaman also drew with Lyallpur FC 1-1 to finish 2nd on better goal difference.
The 10am kickoff at Punjab Stadium saw KRL go on a rampage against POPO’s teenage prospects. The current Pakistan Premier League champions were inspired with hattricks by talisman Umair Ali (25’ 51’ 62’ 72’) and striker Iftikhar Ali Khan (20’ 31’ 88’) from the get go. POPO were simply overwhelmed as Mudassar (81’) and Junaid (89’) added to their misery with the 9-0 score on the final whistle.
Simultaneously, at Fame FC Ground, KPT were inspired by a brace from striker Muhammad bin Younus (17’ 40’) and goals from Farooq Lassi (74’) and Hassan Fiaz (77’). Saif Tex could only respond from captain Usman Ghani Virk (75’) as KPT ran 4-1 winners.
KPT finished 2nd behind KRL on 4 points but having a +2 goal difference compared to POPO’s -8 who finished 3rd with their 4 points. Saif Tex finished bottom with 0 points in Group C.
In Group D’s 1230pm kickoffs, PCAA had to fight hard against Baloch FC Quetta to win their group at Punjab Stadium. Azmat Shah (24′) scored from outside the box to give Baloch the lead by half time. PCAA had to work much more in 2nd half with Muhammad Waheed (52′) equalized with his 6th goal of the campaign – joint top scorer with KRL’s Umair – to eventually secure the point and confirm top spot with 7 points.
At Fame FC Ground, Afghan FC Chaman and Lyallpur could only draw 1-1. After a goalless first half, Junaid (49′) gave Lyallpur the lead before Majeed (67′) equalised for Afghan FC. The results left both Afghan FC and Baloch FC Quetta equal on 4 points each.
But Afghan FC’s better goal difference of -1 and their win over Baloch in previous game made them confirm next round spot as 2nd place. Baloch FC now lie third with -2 goal difference, while Lyallpur finished bottom with just 1 point.
Also it is expected that in Group B that finished yesterday, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) finish 1st due to better goal difference, Falcon Company get 2nd due to beating Karachi United after all finished on 6 points each. Karachi United are expected to be the best 3rd placed team to qualify for next round while the second best 3rd spot will be determined at the conclusion of other groups.
Fixtures for Dec. 9, 2020
Punjab Stadium
Asia Ghee Mills vs WAPDA at 10:00 Hrs (Group E)
SA Garden vs SSGC at 12:30 Hrs (Group F)
Hazara Coal Company vs PAF at 14:30 Hrs (Group G)
Fame Club Ground
Pakistan Navy vs SA Farms at 10:00 Hrs (Group E)
Masha United vs Wohaib FC at 12:30 Hrs (Group F)
SNGPL vs Nimso FC at 14:30 Hrs (Group G)
