KARACHI: Young Rising Stars from Rawalpindi overpowered Karachi’s Diya FC 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the Fourth National Women Football Championship held at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad on Tuesday.

In another quarter-final, WAPDA ousted Higher Education Commission (HEC) 4-0 to book their place in the last four. Diya FC, who were the hot favourites, surprisingly succumbed to Young Rising Stars, losing the tie 1-2.

Young Rising Stars took the initiative in the 23rd minute when Nadia Bhatti’s drive went past the diving goalie Sadia Sheikh.

At the interval, Young Rising Stars were leading by 1-0. Diya FC went all out for equaliser in the second half but Young Rising Stars goalkeeper Saeeda Mahapara played brilliantly to prevent the opposition from staging a comeback.

In the 42nd minute, Young Rising Stars got another penalty and again Nadia made no mistake, taking her team’s lead to 2-0. Diya FC reduced the deficit through Maryam Leghari in the 46th minute, paving the way for a possible comeback.

But Diya FC forwards failed to bring an equaliser in spite of a brilliant display later in the game.

Meanwhile, WAPDA faced no difficulties whatsoever in defeating minnows Higher Education Commission (HEC) 4-0 to qualify for the last four. Midfielder Azra Nasir provided WAPDA the lead in the 26th minute, followed by another stunning goal from Humaira a minute before the interval. At half time, WAPDA had a 2-0 edge.

The second half saw midfielder Shabana Kausar and Aqeela Nasim scoring a goal each in the 40th and 66th minute, helping their side to seal a 4-0 triumph and a place in semifinals.

Rawalpindi’s Young Rising Stars will take on Punjab University’s Sports Sciences FC while WAPDA will face Islamabad in the semifinals to be held tomorrow (Thursday).