Army regains National Soccer title after 10 years
Bureau Report

LAHORE—International left-winger Imran Hussain once again showed his class with two brilliant goals as Pakistan Army clinched the national soccer title for the third time, impsoing authoritative 3-1 win over Wapda at Rawalpindi’s Army sports complex under lights. According to information provided here on Monday by Pakistan Football Federation Army bagged 51 points from 22 matches as runners up fetched 48 points in the competition.
Wapda, needing six-goal margin win over soldiers to keep their winning sequence intact since 2001, were subdued throughout 90-minute tussle under newly-installed flood-lit system. Army, by virtue of becoming 51st National Champion of Pakistan, also booked passage into Second AFC President’s Cup to be played next year.
President, PFF, Faisal Saleh Hayat who is also Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas was the chief guest on the occasion. Former Bahrain coach Salman Ahmed Sharida who has been appointed coach of Pakistan’s national team recently, also watched the match. Faisal Saleh Hayat presented Rs. 3 lacs and winning trophy to Army’s captain Babar Mehmood. It was great day for Babar as his side clinched the title for the third time before winning the event way back in 1993 and 1995.
Wapda’s skipper Tanveer Ahmed and KRL’s skipper Allah Nawaz received Rs.2 and Rs. 1 lacs for runner-up and third-place. PTCL’s skipper Arif Masih received Fair Play Trophy and his teammates Adeel Ahmed was adjudged most valuable player (MVP) and took Rs. 25000. Leading marksman Imran Hussain (21 goals) received Rs. 20,000.
Five-times winner of national championship in 1983, 1991, 2001, 2003, 2004, Wapda suffered agony when they conceded two goals within eighty seconds midway through the first-half.
Imran gave Wapda’ keeper Asadullah Tariq no chance with a powerful drive just outside the area. It was Army’s 50th goal in the competition. Then it was the turn of spearhead Jaffar Hussain to clip the ball past Asad’s right hand from close-range. Army led 2-0 at interval.
Army also started the second half in impressive way and it was all over for Wapda when Imran made it 3-0 in the 48th minute, weaving through host of defenders, following through pass by Muhammad Shabbir. Substitute Khuda Bakhsh struck honoyr-saving goal for Wapda when he was tripped by Army’s stopper Umar Daraz in the box. FIFA Referee Jahangir Khan immediately pointed to the spot and Bakhsh regained his breath to steer the ball low into left corner from 77th minute penalty-kick, sending Jaffar wrong way. Muhammad Irfan Khan Niazi and Chaudhry Muhammad Arshed acted as Match Commissioner and Referee Inspector respectively while Rana Naseer Ahmed, Hidayatullah (Assistant Referees) and Muhammad Sharif (4th Official) were other match Officials.