Lahore Lajpaals joined Karachi Energy and Quetta Zorawar in the semifinals when they defeated defending champions Islamabad United 2-0 in a vital match of the Super Football league held in Karachi at the Peoples Sports Complex on Sunday.
Earlier, in the other tie held on Saturday night, Tribe FC Peshawar held Karachi Energy to a 1-1 draw to keep their semifinals hopes alive.
In blistering heat, the match between Lahore Lajpaals and Islamabad United remained composed in the first half with no team creating any positive move. But after the breather, Lahore Lajpaals played in a positive mood and got onto the score sheet through an excellent strike from Asif Mehmood in the 65th minute.
In the 71st minute Islamabad United could have brought the equaliser but Lahore’s gloveman Bilal Rafique made a good save. In the 80th minute, Asim Mansoor doubled the lead for Lajpaals when he guided a fine cross from Asif Mehmood.
Four minutes later, Lajpaals’ defender Ali Ihsan did a splendid job in the danger area to save his side from a blow.
With the victory, Lahore Lajpaals stretched their points to 11 from seven matches and are placed third behind leaders Karachi Energy and Quetta Zorawar.
On the other hand, Lahore result landed Islamabad in trouble as they finished their campaign with seven points and their fate will be decided after the result of the match between Tribe FC Peshawar and Quetta Zorawar later this week.
Tribe FC Peshawar, trailing last with five points, need a win against Quetta to make it for the semifinals.
“The team played well and now our whole focus is on the semifinal.” Lahore’s coach Shehzad Anwar said.
Meanwhile, in the other encounter held between Karachi Energy held Tribe FC Peshawar in a 1-1 draw. Both the goals were scored in the first half. International midfielder Adeel Ahmed provided Peshawar the lead in the sixth minute. However, in the 14th minute, Muhammad Essa’s through pass fell to Shakir Lashari who ran over the thick defence and ultimately made it home safely to bring the parity which lasted till close of the game.
With the draw, Karachi moved their points to 14 and are still acting as leaders while by virtue of single point Tribe FC Peshawar stretched their points to five from seven matches.