WAPDA led 1-0 at half time thanks to a breath taking goal from Imran Niazi who slipped the ball past keeper Saqib Hanif through a pass by winger Qamar Zaman in the 14th minute. -APP/File Photo
LAHORE KESC, Pakistan Air Force and debutants Young Blood snatched victories on the opening day of Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) that commenced simultaneously on Thursday in Nushki, Sahiwal, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

1986 champions Pakistan Air Force gained full points with a hard-earned 1-0 win over four-time national title holder Pakistan Army at Satellite Town's Municipal Stadium, Rawalpindi. Muhammad Mujahid returned as hero from the filed as his 43rd minute goal proved to be enough.

First-timers Young Blood opened their mission with a lone goal win over at Sahiwal's Rai Ali Nawaz Stadium. The goal was scored by Ghulam Fareed in the 12th minute.

The ostentatious Model Town Football Academy Ground in Lahore saw Pak Elektron staging recovery twice to hold seven-times national champion Pakistan WAPDA 2-2 in a tense battle.

WAPDA led 1-0 at half time thanks to a breath taking goal from Imran Niazi who slipped the ball past keeper Saqib Hanif through a pass by winger Qamar Zaman in the 14th minute.

PEL rallied back in the second half with all out attacks and equalised in the 60th minute when substitute Ijaz Sarfraz beat keeper Abdul Aziz with a fierce angular drive on the left corner. But WAPDA's skipper and striker Arif Mehmood restored WAPDA's lead in the 72nd minute with an unstoppable drive to make it 2-1.

PEL's skipper Asmat Ullah had answered his counterpart with a 78th minute leveler. The unmarked Asmat connected the left wing cross from winger Waqas Ahmed past Aziz's outstretched right hand.

KESC also made an impressive start by beating KPT in front of a big gathering at KPT Stadium in Karachi. Winger Orangzaib Senior was the star performer with two goals in the 10th and 31st minute while the top scorer of 2008, Muhammad Rasool was the other scorer in the 69th minute.

KPT replied through spearhead Muhammad bin Younus in the 59th minute. The absorbing Nushki's Baloch Club - Chaman's Afghan FC clash finished in a goalless draw at Nushki Stadium.

Septermber 17 fixtures NBP v SSGC (CDGK Stadium, Sheldon Road, Saddar Town, Karachi 4 PM), HBL v PIA (Peoples Sports Complex, Mauripur Road, Lyari Town, Karachi 4 PM). - PPI

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