SSGC takes early game heroics to beat PCAA 1-0, reaching 28th National Challenge Football Cup semis

Sui Southern Gas Companies (SSGC) and Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) teams were battling for a place in the semi-final stage of this mega tournament, in the second quarterfinal game played at Pakistan’s finest football pitch in hot conditions, Tehmash Khan Football Stadium. 

Both the teams charged at the ball playing with their best moves and extreme speed on the ground but it was Habib Ur Rahman who opened the scoring tally for SSGC by landing a perfect slam right into the opponent's net at the 34th minute to make it 1-0. 

The second session did not prove any better for both sides as the players missed out on several opportunities to goal as the goal-keepers were coming out strong blocking each other's attempts. There were a couple of squandered chances which should have been converted by SSGC team's front-line as having one goal in pocket it was risky to defend it for SSGC team, but anyhow, the team was able to book a spot into the semi-final stage of the tournament on 1-0 as the final whistle blew. 

To this victory, SSGC Coach, Tariq Lutfi said,

“No doubt it was a close game Although Habib scored a goal but we missed two easy chances when Saad Ullah and Zain could not capitalize on opportunities which came their way. We would have been in great position had we converted those solid chances."

“No doubt we played very close game and we have a solid chance in the semi-finals against WAPDA.”