KARACHI, Dec 19: Karachi Port Trust (KPT) goalkeeper Ahsanullah produced a string of immaculate saves to help his side upset Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) in the Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) here on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Habib Bank Limited (HBL) pushed Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) into the relegation zone following a 1-0 victory over their fellow bankers.

At the KPT Football Stadium, KPT stunned KESC by taking an early lead when Sarmad found himself in space in the KESC box and slotted the ball home in the 13th minute.

The goal sparked KESC into action and they went all out on attack but Ahsanullah stood firm to help his side keep their advantage.

The KPT custodian was called into action numerous times but helped by a splendid rearguard action by his defensive line frustrated KESC’s attacking duo of Mohammad Rasool and Mohammad Essa.

The victory helped KPT move up to 24 points from 22 games with HBL behind them on 23, following their victory here at the People’s Sports Complex.

Mohammad Ibrahim netted the only goal in the 32nd minute after the playmaker got into a good position following smart interplay by the HBL forwards.

ZTBL striker Hanif Khan went close to leveling matters several times in the second-half but HBL secured what could be a vital result come the end of the season.

ZTBL dropped into the relegation zone level on 20 points with PMC Athletico but behind the Faisalabad club on goal difference.

Wohaib FC are at the foot of the table with a paltry eight points.

The teams which will be promoted to the PPFL, though, have been confirmed with Pak-Afghan Clearing Agency (PACA) and University FC from Faisalabad assured of top-flight status next season.PACA won the departmental-leg of the second-tier Pakistan Football Federation League (PFFL) with University FC taking the honours in the club-leg at the end of the ‘Group of Five’ round.

The final round of matches in the departmental-leg was played on Wednesday with PACA securing top spot following their 4-2 demolition of Pakistan Steel courtesy a brace by Abdul Hadi at the FAME Football Ground in Lahore and they now face University FC in the PFFL title clash in Sahiwal on Friday.

The other match between Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Higher Education Commission (HEC) ended in a 0-0 draw.

Thursday’s fixtures: PPFL: Navy v PMC Athletico (PNS Karsaz Ground, Karachi); PIA v Wohaib FC (Korangi Football Stadium, Karachi).