LAHORE – National champions WAPDA struck in both the sessions to beat Nepal Police Club 2-0 in the Group C tie of the seventh AFC President’s Cup at Dasarath Rangasala Stadium on Wednesday. The goals were struck by Arif Mehmood and Jadeed Khan.
The home team opened the match in style. WAPDA got tempo in the seventh minute as Arif Mehmood went through the defense, but NPC keeper Ritesh Thapa came forward to clear the ball.
WAPDA surged ahead in the 38th minute through Arif Mehmood. Arif steered the ball from a tight angle to score first goal. It was the fifth AFC President’s Cup goal in four events for Multan-born Arif. WAPDA led 1-0 at interval and NPC had a great chance to equalise in the 53rd minute, but Yogesh Shrestha failed to beat an active Aziz under the cross piece. Arif might have scored another in the 60th minute but his shot was wayward. Another counter move allowed Arif another chance.
Jacobabad-born Zulfiqar Ali Shah swept a quick pass to Arif, but goalkeeper Ritesh was up to the task. WAPDA’s keeper Abdul Aziz had to make another save in the 75th minute.
WAPDA doubled the margin in the final minute of the game when Arif Mehmood created a pass to Jadeed Khan, who tucked the ball in.
