Two matches were decided in the Pakistan Premier Soccer League, as Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) defeated Pakistan Steel 3-1 while match between PIA and Army ended in 1-1 draw on Friday. Army collected 28 points after 16 matches while PIA recorded 18 points in 18 games.
Army were the first to settle down and could have scored in the 7th minute but Sharjeel Vicky failed to show impression. Army continued their relentless pressure that allowed them 13th minute lead. Striker Imran Hussain went on his own to smash the ball in. The soldiers led 1-0 at interval. PIA went all out in quest of leveler in the second session and they achieved the target when skipper Nasrullah Khan made it 1-1 with long-range drive.
Earlier, KRL held the upperhand throughout the 90-minutes play and led 2-0 at interval giving visitors from Karachi no room whatsoever. Sizzling front-runner Muhammad Rasool fired the opener in the 13th minute with 30-metre drive that beat Steel keeper all ends up. Winger Muhammad Qasim doubled the margin when Rasool opened the gate for him to dash through and sent the ball low in left corner.
KRL maintained superiority and put the issue beyond doubt when Qasim dragged the ball from goal line and Rasool struck his second with immense-power right-footer. It was Rasool's 17th goal of the event, keeping him leading scorer of the show. Steel fired honour-saving goal in the 85th minute through winger Fazal Hussain.
It was also sweet revenge as first leg saw Steel winning 1-0 at Karachi on 19 August through Akmal's goal. Highly fancied KRL managed 35 points from 17 encounters, three points clear of second-placed KPT, while minnow Steel completed their 19th match, getting 22 points.
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