Karachi Energy fixed their date with Quetta Zorawar in the final when they defeated defending champions Islamabad United 4-2 on penalties in the second semifinal of the Super Football League held in Karachi at the Peoples Sports Complex on Wednesday night.
At the end of the scheduled and then extra time the match was evenly poised at 1-1. Captain Muhammad Essa provided lead to Karachi Energy in the 91st minute on a penalty-kick before Muhammad Ramzan brought an equaliser seconds before close also on penalty.
However, in the heart wrenching penalties session, Karachi, the runners-up of the previous edition, kept their cool, scoring four goals while conceding just two.
For Karachi, Muhammad Essa, Muhammad Rasool, Abdul Aziz and Aurangzeb Senior converted their penalties while Saddam Hussain’s kick collided with the post. For Islamabad United Muhammad Ramzan and Hikmatullah netted goals while Yasir Afridi’s third penalty was saved by goalkeeper Muhammad Umar. Kamran Khan was the other who missed the second penalty that he took.
Earlier, Karachi had to face a tough time in front of Islamabad for the first time in the tournament. The thick crowd was greatly entertained by breathtaking rallies from either side.
“It was a tough but nice game as both sides played in attacking manner but in the end we were able to seal the fate of the tie in our favour. Now, we are looking towards the final and I am hopeful that we will be able to win it,” Karachi Energy captain Muhammad Essa told ‘The News’.
Islamabad United head coach Sajjad Mehmood is satisfied with the way his team played in the semifinal. “I am very much satisfied with the way my team played in the semifinal. It was the best performance which the team produced for the first time in the competitions,” Sajjad said.

Earlier in another Semi final, Striker Kaleemullah struck twice to put Quetta Zorawar in the final when they edged past Lahore Lajpaals 2-1 in the first semifinal of the Super Football League held here at the Peoples Sports Complex on Tuesday night.