LAHORE: Karachi United and Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) sealed qualification to the Round-of-16 after winning their respective matches against Huma FC and Saif Tex, while National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) beat Falcon Group 1-0 and Karachi Port Trust (KPT) drew 2-2 with Popo FC.
In the Group ‘B’ match at the Punjab Stadium, Karachi United beat Huma FC 2-0 in a solid performance. They dominated from the start and scored as early as the seventh minute, thanks to a penalty kick by Anees Fakir. Jamshed finished a brilliant play with a tap in at the 58th minute to make it 2-0.
In the other match of the group, played at the Fame FC Ground, NBP were helped by Maqbool’s 73rd minute strike to beat Falcon Group and get their first three points of the tournament.
In Group ‘C’, Pakistan Premier League champions KRL humiliated Saif Tex with a 6-1 drubbing at the Fame FC Ground and confirmed a place in the next round.
Umair Ali scored two goals for KRL at the 11th and 39th minute marks. Izharullah (25th minute), Alamgir Ali (66th minute), Iftikhar Ali Khan (74th minute) and Shahzaib (86th minute) were the other scorers for KRL. Usman Ghani Virk scored the only goal by Saif Tex in the 49th minute.
In the other Group ‘C’ match, at the Punjab Stadium, a youthful Popo FC side played a thrilling 2-2 draw against KPT. Popo FC were controlling the play in most parts of the game and scored their first goal in the 16th minute, courtesy’s Wasif’s clinical finish.
Saeed helped KPT equalize in the 32nd minute after the Popo FC defenders failed to clear the ball following an attack by KPT.
Popo FC lead again in the 57th minute when Shamroz Khan slotted the ball past the KPT goalkeeper following a rebound of the near post. However, KPT were able to equalize again, when Mohammad capitalized on another defensive error to score in the 76th minute.
Results:
Group ‘B’:
Karachi United 2-0 Huma FC
NBP 1-0 Falcon Group
Group ‘C’:
KRL 6-1 Saif Tex
KPT 2-2 Popo FC
Fixtures for Saturday, December 5, 2020
Lyallpur FC vs PCAA, 10am PKT
SA Farms vs Wapda, 12.30pm PKT
Pakistan Navy vs Asia Ghee Mills, 3pm PKT
Afghan FC Chaman vs Baloch FC Quetta, 5.30pm PKT
All matches on Saturday and Sunday will be played at the Fame FC Ground