LAHORE: The National Challenge Cup is set to begin on Wednesday, February 4, marking a significant step in the revival of domestic football under the leadership of Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani. With 12 teams competing, the tournament promises long-awaited action for local players and fans eager to see competitive football return to the national stage.
The teams have been divided into four groups of three, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. Group A features Navy, Pakistan Air Force, and Mamsons, while defending champions Wapda headline Group B alongside KRL and Hazara Coal Company. Group C includes Army, Railways, and International Supply Company, and Group D is completed by SA Gardens, PACA, and Nimso.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Pakistan national men’s team head coach Nolberto Solano stressed the importance of domestic competitions for nurturing young talent. He expressed hope that the Challenge Cup would help identify players for the upcoming SAFF Under-20 Championship next month.
PFF Vice-President Hafiz Zakaullah echoed these sentiments, noting that there had been continuous demand for local tournaments. He credited President Gilani for initiating the revival of the Challenge Cup as part of broader efforts to boost football in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Sindh Football Association President Azam Khan emphasized that the provincial body was committed to holding the event in a grand manner, describing it as the first step toward more domestic competitions after a long period of inactivity.
