Islamabad and NWFP booked quarterfinal berth as two more matches were decided in third National U-21 Championship at Islamabad's Jinnah Stadium on Thursday. Host Islamabad's winger Subhan Ahmed collected late goal to give his team quarterfinal slot as Islamabad recovered to draw 1-1 in Group-B with 1991 Runners Up Punjab.
NWFP secured 1-0 win over Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) in Group-D to join Islamabad, Sindh and Wohaib FC in last eight. The match between Punjab and Islamabad was largely restricted to midfield despite Punjab getting deserving lead in the 15th minute through spearhead Asif Mehmood. Punjab led 1-0 at interval.
Islamabad went all out for leveller with ruthless pressure and achieved precious point. Their equaliser appeared in the 75th minute when Subhan drew the goal keeper out and kicked the ball in. The 1-1 draw gave Islamabad four points and quarter-final berth while Punjab need a draw against Faisalabad's PMC on 24 January to join Islamabad into last eight from Group-B.