Karachi Port Trust (KPT) finally earned their first win in Punjab tour when they overwhelmed PEL 2-1 in the 133rd match of Pakistan Premier Soccer League at Garhi Shahue's Railway Stadium on Saturday. The win lifted KPT back to second berth after leader KRL (37 points). Earlier, KPT lost to Wapda 0-1 and PMC 3-4.
KPT once again beginning to emerge as serious contenders in this event, while Saturday's dropped points may well end up seriously hurt their bid. KPT played offensively from the start, fervently attacking while their Lahore-based opponents looked dangerous mostly on quick breaks, but Portmen more than held their ground against the newly-promoted squad. The blue jersey generated more quality chances and held the PEL to only a few opportunities.
KPT had the ball in the net through stopper Aurangzeb off skipper Naseer Ahmed but AR Fayyaz Siddiqui flagged him off side. KPT continued their onslaught and took sixth minute lead through winger Abdul Rehman who caught the angular ball of midfielder Asif and fired the ball in with lovely drive. It was Rehman's 12th goal of the event, joining Shakir Lashari (PIA) and Farooq Shah (NBP). KRL's Muhammad Rasool still in lead with 17 goals.
KPT's midfielders were too good for the rival's midfield line and doubled the margin with one of the most fascinating goal in the 33rd minute. Veteran Left Full Akhtar Mamul changed the complexion of the game by curling the ball from left to right wing. International striker Shahid Saleem took it on his right foot and slammed the ball over bemused keeper Ahmed Shahzad and into the far corner from narrowest of angles. Salim could have scored another in the 42nd minute but his header of Rehman's cross went wide off left post.
KPT led 2-0 at interval. The match was watched by Course Conductor Erich Rutemoller (Germany), PFF Co-ordinator Imtiaz Butt and 29 participants of IOC Solidarity Technical Course who were in the stadia to analyse the match for different topics.
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