Army crush KU to win: National Women Football C’ship

KARACHI: Army bulldozed Karachi United 7-1 to defend the title of the National Women Football Championship here at the Karachi United Stadium on Sunday.

Meanwhile, WAPDA crushed Punjab 10-0 to claim bronze medal. In the 12th edition final, Army showed they were much better side as compared to the hosts in event being held under the auspices of the Normalisation Committee of Pakistan Football Federation (PFF).

Army put a lot of pressure right from the start with Pakistan team captain Hajira Khan providing them lead in the third minute. Eshal doubled it in the 25th minute before Alina made it 3-0 in favour of the visitors in the 37th minute. International Malaika added to KU’s miseries when she struck fourth goal for Army through a superb free-kick in the 40th minute to take the game away from KU. At half-time, Army were leading 4-0.

Soon after the breather, KU had something to cheer about when Suha Herani reduced the deficit for them in front of a cheering crowd in the 49th minute. However this happened to be the only goal by KU as Army went on to add three more goals to their total to complete a thumping victory.

Aliza struck in the 80th minute to stretch Army’s lead to 5-1 before Eshal and Alina completed their respective brace with strikes in the 81st minute and stoppage time.

Earlier in the third place outing, WAPDA proved too strong as they annihilated Punjab 10-0 to claim bronze. At half-time, WAPDA were leading 7-0. They scored three more goals in the second half to finish with a big win.

Dua, Sahar, Maria and Kainat landed two goals each, while Mehnaz and Aliya hit one goal apiece. Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) senior politician Shehla Raza graced the closing ceremony and gave away trophies, medals and cash prizes. Normalisation Committee’s chairman Humza Khan was also present on the occasion.