KARACHI: Pakistan Army spiced up the race for second spot in the Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) after they grabbed a 1-0 victory against the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) here on Friday.

Having dealt a massive blow to Karachi Electric Supply Company’s (KESC) chances of PPFL glory by holding them to draws in their last two fixtures, PIA were looking to do more of the same against Army at the Korangi Baloch Football Stadium.

But Army’s veteran goalkeeper Jaffar Khan proved too much of an obstacle for them to overcome before midfielder Ansar Abbas scored in the 70th minute to end PIA’s hopes of victory.

The result meant just three points separate teams from second to fifth place in the PPFL table with the KESC, having 56 points, holding a two point lead over Army with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Muslim FC a point further behind. The KRL are the runaway leaders with 62 points.

In another match here at the PNS Karsaz Ground, Noor Mohammad produced a sterling defensive performance to help Navy hold Wapda to a goalless draw. The point took Navy to 33 points while Wapda have 30.

In between the two are Afghan FC who moved to 32 points after they were awarded a walkover against already-relegated Wohaib FC after the latter failed to turn up for their game at the Government High School Ground in Chaman.

Meanwhile, the battle to avoid ending at the final relegation spot is also getting interesting as PMC Athletico took advantage of a slip-up by the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) to draw level with their fellow strugglers.

Mohammad Yasir scored in the 18th minute as the PMC defeated Afghan FC 1-0 in Chaman on Thursday to move level on 24 points with the ZTBL, who scored deep in injury-time through Ghazi Khan to secure a 1-1 draw against Baloch FC who had taken the lead courtesy Sanaullah’s strike just before half-time at the Noushki Football Stadium.

PMC occupy the final relegation place, behind the ZTBL on goal-difference with both sides three points from safety with two matches of the season left to play.

Saturday’s fixtures: Baloch FC v PAF (Noushki Football Stadium, Noushki); KPT v KRL (KPT Football Stadium, Karachi); Muslim FC v PMC Athletico (Govt High School Ground, Chaman).