Islamabad (Sports Report): The semi-final line-up at the National Challenge Cup was completed on Wednesday with Army and SA Gardens advancing in contrasting fashion.
Mohammad Rafay bagged a brace as Army crushed Nimso 4-0 in their quarter-final while defender Umar Javed starred as SA Gardens overcame International Supply Company 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Army 4-0 Nimso
Army were rampant from the start and took the lead in stunning fashion when Rafay struck a delightful first-time shot that curled into the far corner in the 13th minute.
“I had my eyes on the goal when the ball was coming to me,” said Rafay. “Thankfully the execution was good.”
Nimso were struggling to find space with Army’s press and they were 3-0 down by the 26th after Mansoor Ali and Rafay scored in the space of two minutes.
First Mansoor latched onto a through ball and dinked it past the keeper before Rafay turned in a shot by Mohammad Afzal.
Army continued in the same vein but had to wait till the 85th when Noor Saba netted and they advance to a semi-final against Khan Research Laboratories.
SA Gardens 1-1 International Supply Company (SA Gardens won 4-2 on penalties)
SA Gardens broke the deadlock in a closely-fought clash when they were awarded a penalty in the 35th minute with Umar Javed sending the keeper the wrong way from the spot.
International Supply Company hit back in the 73rd when a breakaway saw Salman Umer slot from under the legs of a defender.
After extra-time yielded no further goals, Umar stole the spotlight in the shootout; the defender taking the gloves to tip a penalty by Salman onto the bar and then scoring himself to help his side into a semi-final against Wapda in what is a repeat of the title match at the last edition of the tournament.
“It was a tough game and we have another tough one comping up,” said Umar. “We will look to build on this.”
