KARACHI: PEL earned a 1-1 draw against the defending champions WAPDA in a match of the Pakistan Premier Football League held at the Railways Stadium in Lahore on Sunday.

The hosts PEL, who are considered tough opponents in their home matches, showed exactly the same when they put the most experienced WAPDA under pressure throughout and at the end managed to secure a 1-1 draw. Right from the start both sides opted for open game allowing the strikers on both sides to pick gaps. WAPDA, who were missing their key striker Zulfiqar Ali Shah due to jaw injury and veteran defender Tanveer Ahmad due to domestic problems, were able to take the initiative in 23rd minute when midfielder Imran Niazi steered the ball past the diving oppositionsí goalie on a corner-kick.

However, the lead did not last for long as the hosts PEL staged quick come-back when Muhammad Rashid converted a penalty. Just before interval, WAPDA could have added to their tally but captain Arif Mehmood could not read an intelligent pass from Imran Niazi.

Till breather the match was evenly poised at 1-1. The second half remained tense and composed with both sides struggling for a room to get through. In 59th and 83rd minutes the leading scorer of the last season Arif Mehmood could score twice but lost his control on the ball in front of the goalie on both occasion.

The draw took the debutants PEL points to 17 from 14 matches while WAPDA, with this single point moved to 18 points from 12 meetings.

Today’s fixtures: NBP v Afghan FC at Korangi Baloch Stadium, Karachi, Pak Steel v KESC at Pak Steel Township Ground, Karachi, HBL v KPT at Peoples Stadium, Karachi.