Luckless WAPDA drew 1-1 with Nepal Police

LAHORE - National soccer title-holder Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) missed injury time penalty-kick and drew 1-1 with Nepal Police Club (NPC)in 4th AFC President's Cup Qualifier at Malaysia's 25,000-capacity MBPJ Stadium, a multi-use stadium in Petaling Gaya (Selangor) today. The runners-up of the title, inspired by master-mind coach Birat Krishna Shrestha since their local-title win two years back, MPC have moved on in flying colors in the tournament after their sensational start on Sunday up against Abahani, Bangaldesh, a huge win 4-0 along with a hat trick accredited to youth striker Jumanu Rai. NPC's best weapon in the tournament is undoubtedly Jumanu who last year scored three goals to lead the team to final round and has now already shown his edge with the hat trick in the very first match. NPC started the game quite vigorously . Jumanu came close in the seveth but he could not catch Ramesh's pass from close range. A minute later, Arif Mehmood-led WAPDA came up with opportunity but they failed to impress with final touch. NPC, on 4-4-2 formation, were unlucky not to score in the 21st minute.Jumanu's crossed the ball but Ananta's head, although beats the WAPDA goalkeeper but steel work came their way. Five minutes later, Ramesh's drove the ball shot straight into the hands of the goalkeeper. On the stroke of interval, Jumanu found the net, but was ruled off-side. He was feed by Bhola who hoodwinked three defenders and forwarded the ball for the attack. It was 0-0 at half-time. The tenth minute of second half saw Jumanu's nice turn and strong right-footed shot, but WAPDA goalie punched the ball away. Six minutes later, Suman Subedi's 35 yard shot slightly wide, a rocking moment of the aggressive match. WAPDA, against run of play, caused sensation when in the 79th minute, Jacobabad-born Zulfiqar Ali Shah drove the ball past NPC's keeper Ritesh Thapa. NPC went all out in quest of equalizer and their relentless effort earned them last minute equalizer through Jumanu Rai who broke off-side trap to do the needful. During injury time, Nepalese suffered agony when WAPDA were awarded spot-kick and red card was shown to Rakesh for fouling striker Khuda Bakhsh. But Ritesh saved the spot kick with his perfect dive to his right as both team shared one point each. Thursday Fixture: Pakistan WAPDAvs Abahani Ltd (4 PM) Mahendra Police Club vs Regar-TadAZ(6.30 PM)

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