Afghan FC end KRL unbeaten streak, PFFL results

KARACHI: Afghan FC and Wapda won their Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) matches as two more matches were played in the second division league on Tuesday.

Afghan FC edged past Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) 2-1 at the Municipal Stadium in Rawalpindi.

The goals for the winners were scored by Najeebullah (18th min) and Ahmad Shah (50th min) as Saadullah (67th min) reduced the margin for the losing side.

Wapda beat Baloch FC 2-0 at Railway Football Stadium in Lahore with both the goals coming through Arif Mahmood in the 39th and 79th minutes.

Wednesday will be a rest day in the PPFL main round.

Meanwhile, in the second division, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) beat Railways 3-2 at the Jinnah Football Stadium in Islamabad. Two goals for the winners were scored by Izharullah (23rd and 52nd mins) while Hikmatullah (27th min) added another. For the losing side, Asif Hamid (68th and 84th mins) scored both the goals.

In the other match, also played at the same venue, Higher Education Commission (HEC) beat Mecca Flour Mills, Faisalabd 2-1. Nauman Shahid (41st min) and Rashid Masih (55th min) scored for HEC while Sibtain Abbas (31st min) reduced the margin for Mecca Flour Mills.

Pakistan rue their missed opportunities

Pakistan coach Zavisa Milosavljevic feels his side's lack of a proper striker ruined their chances of beating Bangladesh at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

By Derek Michael

The SAFF Championship opener between Pakistan and Bangladesh ended in a goalless draw, with Pakistan wasting several opportunities to a vital win.

"We could have easily won the match, but for the wasted chances. We don't have a typical striker; and by typical I mean a player who will score from anywhere and can score any time," lamented Milosavljevic.

Nevertheless, the Serbian was satisfied with his team's overall performance.

"The Bangladesh team is really good. I am happy with my boys' performance, as I couldn't have asked for anything more," he said.

"Our next match is going to be an interesting one and hope we can win that. We are not thinking about the semi-finals. We are going to take it one match at a time," added the Serbian when asked about the match against Maldives on December 4.

Though his team received accolades from his opposite number, Bangladesh coach Nikola Ilievski felt the team could have performed better, but was nevertheless relieved to walk away with a point.

"We played poorly and we could have been victim of a real bad scoreline, but luckily we walk away with a point. I am disappointed with the performance," said Ilievski.

The Macedonian also felt that injuries to a couple of key players was another reason for the draw against Pakistan.

"We have badly missed the services of Raju and Shakeel, who have had been the mainstay of our team for the last couple of years. They are our midfield backbones," added Ilievski.

Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, President Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)

Lahore, October 14, 2011  Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, President Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) who is also the member FIFA Disciplinary Committee, met Mr. Jospeh S. Blatter, President FIFA on 13 October, 2011. He expressed his gratitude to Mr. Blatter for his commitment to expedite the process for the construction of five sanctioned FIFA Goal Projects for the flood affected people of Pakistan which has alleviated their sufferings and brought back cheers on their faces.  According to the press release issued here by PFF, President PFF has expressed his appreciation for the commitment being shown by FIFA President Mr. Jospeh S. Blatter for five FIFA Goal Project sanctioned by FIFA for the flood affected areas of Pakistan. Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat said that these projects shall greatly help and enhance the standard of football in these areas which have gone through this calamity. President PFF also thanked FIFA President for his commitment in successfully completing two Grassroot Coaching Courses in Pakistan with great fanfare.  Mr. Jospeh S. Blatter assured Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat of his complete support in expediting the construction work on five FIFA Goal Projects and appreciated whole hearted efforts of Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat for the promotion of football in Pakistan. He also congratulated Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat on his unopposed election for the third term which reflects the trust reposed in him by the football family of Pakistan, the winning of the SAFF U-16 Football Championship in Nepal portrays your un flinched commitment to the game, on these achievements FIFA shall seriously consider enhancement in annual allocation.  Mr. Jospeh S. Blatter further said that as member FIFA Disciplinary Committee of FIFA for last two years you have settled the legal issues in a positive manner, which shows your ability as well as your commitment to the game of football in an overall position.  Agha Muhammad Ajmal  Media Manager  Cell # +92-301-4499578  Phone # +92-42-99230821-22 (Ext. 153)  E.Mail Address: media_manager@pff.com.pk