Miran Shah holds HEC 2-2 in Challenge Cup Soccer
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

PESHAWAR: PA XI Miran Shah of North Waziristan Agency came from behind to hold Higher Education Commission (HEC) to 2-2 draw in the thrilling battle of the PFF National Challenge Cup Football being played at University Campus ground here Sunday.

President FATA Football Association, Baloch Khan was the chief guest. The players were introduced to him before the start of the match.

Director Sports University of Peshawar Bahre Karam, and Secretary FATA Football Association Raees Khan were also present.

Baloch in his brief chat said that PA XI Miran Shah was the only team representing the whole FATA belt. He hoped that the team would qualify for the National League.

Baloch also appreciated the financial support of PA, Miran Shah (NWA) and said that through this way the tribal youths would get an opportunity to show their skills at national level.

Earlier, Miran Shah staged a strong come back after two-goal deficit to hold HEC In the hotly contestant encounter enjoyed by campus football spectators.

Miran Shah and HEC players exhibited better brand of soccer with some beautiful short-passes were also witnessed. But the overall football atmosphere was marred by a controversial penalty kick decision in the dying moments which raised many eye brows.

The match was stopped for five minute but FIFA referee Imtiaz Ali Shah firmed by his decision and thus the two sides came again for next 10 minute play.

Earlier, the match was started with quick pace and HEC took the lead in the 9th minute through centre striker Rasool on the field attempt. In the 25th minute Saddique slammed in a beautiful goal on the field attempt before dodging three defenders and even the on rushing goal-keeper.

At half-time HEC was leading by 2-0. After the resumption of the second-half, Miran Shah right winger Sajjad tied reduced the margin by converting a penalty kick in the 56th minute to make it 2-1.

Centre striker Jalal Khan was wrongly intercepted in the box area and referee Imtiaz Ali Shah signalled the stop, which was nicely taken by Sajjad. Both made some fine inroads and shattered each others defence. It was in the 80th minute when Miran Shah was again awarded penalty kick by referee. Sajjad was taken it and made the tally 2-all.

Imtiaz Ali Shah supervised the match while Muhammad Ali and Faridullah acted as line referees.●