WAPDA widen gap with PTV thrashing

LAHORE - Titlist WAPDA continued giant march towards their seventh national title when they thrashed PTV 5-1 after 3-0 at interval in the Pakistan Premier Soccer League at PSB Ground near Hamidi Hall, Islamabad. In other two matches today, Pakistan Navy were involved 0-0 with PMC at Naval Complex , Islamabad. Army struck twice in second session to beat PEL 2-0 at Army Stadium, Rawalpindi WAPDA, national champions in 1983, 1991, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, had no problem in beating depleted PTV with convincing display throughout the match. They went up with one of the fastest goals of the event when Faisalabad-born shortly-built striker Abdul Abbas steered the ball into left corner as clock showed 97 seconds. Abbas added another in the 43rd minute with solo effort. In between midfielder Zakir Hussain did the trick when his long-range drive beat keeper all ends up. WAPDA led 3-0 at interval and added two more goals in the second session. Winger Qamar Zaman put the issue beyond doubt with brilliant finish after fine one-two with Abbas in the 61st minute and current Pakistani vice captain Imran Niazi made it 5-0 when he raced onto a ball from Naveed Akram in the 64th minute to do the rest. PTV failed to resist against tense pressure of holders and struck consolation goal through Baran Shah born spearhead Sana Ullah in the 80th minute. The Navy-PMC clash saw both the goalkeepers in fine form giving nothing away as 16th goalless draw of the event went into PFF's files. Faisalabad-born keeper Zahid Iqbal of PMC thwarted at least three sure chances blocking stinging attempts from Jabbar Hussain, Muhammad Basharat and Asif Mehmood while Ishaq Ahmed was alert with his anticipation for the seamen below the cross piece. Lahore-based PEL did well to stop powerful Army in the first half and it was big sigh of relief for their coach Asghar Anjum and skipper Ijaz Sarfraz. But Army had other ides in the second session and took the game away from PEL with two goals. Midfielder Sharjeel Vicky, a player from Siaklot, stopped the goal draught with lovely drive from the edge of the area in the 58th minute and it was left to Olympian Adnan Bari to seal the fate of the match in the 79th minute. PEL failed to reduce arrears as their strikers Din Badshah, Muzaffar Ali and Asmat Ullah were out of touch.PEL suffered agony in the later stages of the match when Farooq Rehman had to leave the field after second Caution Card of the match. Monday Fixture Afghan FC v PIA (Govt. School Ground, Chaman : 3 PM)

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