PAF, Police enter National Games football final

PAF, Police enter National Games football final

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Police blasted their way into the final of the men’s football event of the 34th National Games at Ayub Stadium Quetta on Saturday, May 20th.

Both PAF and Police recorded identical wins with a 1-0 scoreline over their respective oppositions Army and Balochistan in the semi-finals held in front of the jam-packed stadium.

In the first semi-final between Army and PAF Samad put PAF in front in the 11th minute through a well-connected header which went past the diving keeper in the 11th minute.

Army made frantic efforts to bring the parity but they failed to do so mainly due to a few squandered chances.

Army had come very close to score an equaliser before the final whistle but Umair’s drive went off the target.

PAF coach Shehzad Anwar said that it was a tough game.

“It was a tough match,” Shehzad told The News after the sweating affair.

“You know when both PAF and Army play they always remain tough. Today Army played ground game and our stance was a bit aerial and that helped in the end,” said Shehzad, also a Pakistan men’s team head coach.

He was confident that they would be able to beat Police in the final on Sunday.

“Police were in our group and we beat them 1-0. I am confident that we will be able to beat them in the final tomorrow,” Shehzad said.

Meanwhile in the second semi-final Police conquered Balochistan 1-0.

Skipper and seasoned defender Qurban Ali hit the winner for Police with a piercing shoot in the second half of the extra time (103 minute). It was a tough fight with either side putting pressure on each other.

Both sides also missed a few chances before the event was pushed into the extra time and there in the second half Police did well to net the winner.

The final will be held on Sunday (today) between PAF and Police. Balochistan will meet Army in the third place showdown.

Published in The News, 21 May 2023