Younis, Junaid guide KPT to departmental soccer semis

KARACHI: Mohammad Bin Younis and Junaid Ahmed struck one goal each to put Karachi Port Trust (KPT) in the semifinals when they overpowered Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) 2-0 in the fourth quarterfinal of the First Naya Nazimabad Quaid-i-Azam Departmental Football tournament here at the KMC Stadium on Tuesday.
Following incisive rallies KPT put themselves ahead in the 37th minute when experienced striker Mohammad struck through a fine effort. At half time KPT had 1-0 edge.In the second half young Junaid doubled their lead in the 60th minute. SNGPL showed great resolve throughout but their defence did not seem organised that dented their chance of progressing to the pre-final in the event featuring 14 outfits from across the country.
KPT coach Mohammad Asif was satisfied with his team’s performance.“I think the boys played well. Our oppositions were playing with aerial ball and were attacking but we troubled them through ground passes,” Asif told The News. He said that his team had a few youngsters who were performing well.
“We have injected a few youngsters. Initially we had taken them on Rs 8000 monthly salary but now when they have started showing performances their salaries have been raised to Rs 15,000,” the coach said.
KPT will now face Chaman’s Muslim Trading Company in the second semi-final to be held on December 8.“It will be a tough game as Muslim Trading Company are also a strong side. But we will try to beat them,” said Asif.
In the first semi-final to be held on December 7, the event’s giants and former four-time Premier League champions Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and strong Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), who have made quality inductions during the last couple of years, will collide.