PAF impose big win: Navy, Army, PIA enter last eight

LAHORE Navy, Army, PIA moved to the quarter-finals of 20th NBP National Football Challenge Cup (NFCC) at Multans Qila Kuhna Qasim Bagh under flood-lit system by winning their respective matches as PEL, SSGC and Police had eliminated. Earlier, Air Force upset all calculations when they imposed huge 3-0 defeat on highly-fancied WAPDA in Group-A. Under former FIFA Referee Qazi Muhammad Asifs coaching, the airmen never looked shaky against formidable electricitymen and returned back from the arena with authoritative win. National champions in 1986, PAF took 21st minute lead through Faisalabad-born midfielder Muhammad Mujahid as they led 1-0 at interval. Muhammad Iqbal consolidated the lead in the 62nd minute by making it 2-0 after a fine one-two with Afzal Rehman. Seven-times national champion who are yet to win NFCC title, were off color. Despite 5-0 win over Railways on April 17, WAPDA looked jaded on Monday night, PAF were too energetic and determined for them. More frustrations were in store for Lahore-based team as Tala Gang-born spearhead Amir Hussain slotted home the third in the third minute of injury time. Pakistan, who need a draw against Navy for quarter-final place from Group-D, failed to achieve mission and despite taking lead through Haiders 21st minute goal, suffered exit as Navy bounced back to win 2-1. Winger Asif Bakhsh restored parity seven minutes later and Sajjad Ahmed pushed the seamen into next phase with 69th minute goal. PIA and Army forced their way into last eight from Group-B with their second win. PIA overcame Pakistan Police 2-1 with striker Shakir Lashari getting both goals for winners in the third and 84th minute. Abdul Jabbar was scorer for 28th minute. Army ended SSGC resistance with 4-0. Spearhead Imran Hussain struck twice in the third and 76th minute while other scorers were Sharjeel Vicky (5th min) and keeper Jaffar Khan (58th min). Thursday (22 April) Fixtures : PAF v Railways (7.15 PM), Police v SSGC (9.30 PM), Army v PIA (11.45 PM). 1

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