Pakistan International Airline (PIA) clinched All-Pakistan Shama Challenge Football Cup after defeating strong PAF by 2-0 in the final played here at Sumbal Khan Football ground, Qayyum Sports Complex on Thursday. Governor KP Iqbal Zafar Jhagra was the chief guest on this occasion who witnessed the thrilling final. Nine times Pakistan Premier League Champion, PIA and leading team at national level, Pakistan Air Force, presented a classic display of football, which was largely enjoyed by capacity crowd as the final fought on rattling pace.
Both PIA and Pakistan Air Force failed to click in the first 40 minute play as the ball was mostly confined to mid-field. It was in the 41st minute when Shakir Lashari slammed in a beautiful goal on the field attempt. PIA skipper Abdul Jabbar Senior travelled past three defenders in a row and gave a free ball to Shakir Lashari who did nothing wrong in dispatching it into the net to make the tally 1-0.
At half-time PIA was leading by 1-0. In the 77th minute Pakistan International Airline doubled the lead through Shazeb on the field attempt. Shakir Lashari along with right winger Abdul Jabbar Senior travelled past PAF deep defenders before giving a free ball to Shahzeb who slammed in a beautiful goal to make the tally 2-0.
At the end, Governor KP Iqbal Zafar Jhagra gave away trophis and cash prizes to the winners and runners-up. The winner was awarded Rs 100,000 as cash prize while the runners-up got Rs 50,000/- as cash prize. A total of 12 teams divided in four different groups took part in the Challenge Cup from across Pakistan. The Challenge Cup was started on October 1 and played initially on league basis.