Wapda stroll into AFC President’s Cup

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LAHORE – Abdul Ghafoor scored twice, in the 28th and 79th minutes, as KESC forced their way to fourth place with a 2-1 win over Wapda in final league match of Pakistan Premier Football League that concluded on Thursday at Peoples Sports Complex.
The defeat was meaningless for Wapda, who won the League at Karachi on December 12, securing a berth in the seventh AFC President’s Cup.
Wapda, who slotted their lone goal through Arif Mehmood in the 85th minute, won the top prize with 67 points in 30 matches, while KRL and PIA finished in second and third spot, respectively with 58 and 57 points. KESC secured 4th place with 55 points. Army were out of the podium for the first time in the last six years after coming fifth with 54 points.
Syed Khadim Ali Shah, SVP of SAFF and VP of PFF, was the chief guest of the League’s final match, and distributed cash prizes among the teams and players. Wapda grabbed the winning trophy and gold medals from the chief guest, in addition to Rs 6 lac, while KRL received silver medals and Rs 4 lac. PIA grabbed bronze along with Rs 3 lac.
PIA defender Muhammad Haji was adjudged the Most Valuable Player and pocketed Rs 1 lac, while leading goal-scorer Arif Mehmood (Wapda, 21 goals) and best goal-keeper Muhammad Omer (KESC) took Rs 50,000 each. Chaman’s Afghan FC won the Fair Play trophy and Rs 1 lac for the fine display of sportsmanship throughout the League.