AFC U16 qualifiers begin in Lahore today

Pakistan to open their Group E campaign against the UAE.

KARACHI: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U16 Championship qualifiers are scheduled to begin in Lahore today.

Teams from Iran, Sri Lanka and the UAE spoke during the press conference at the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) House in Lahore yesterday, stating their approval of the security arrangements in Pakistan.

Each team showed enthusiasm for the Group E qualifiers and the coaches said that they were motivated for the event.

Officials from Iran, Sri Lanka and the UAE added that their stay in Lahore so far had been comfortable.



“We are glad to be here in the historic city of Lahore and are looking forward to get feeling of their warm hospitality,” said Mostafa Ghanbar Pour, Head Coach of the Iranian team. “We are also thankful to PFF, Sports Board Punjab and the media for their excellent arrangements.”

Only one team will progress from Group E for the next round of the AFC U16 Championship that will be played next year.

The tournament will start today with the opening match between Iran and Sri Lanka while Pakistan will play UAE in the second match at 7:00 pm.

“As hosts, we will make sure that they feel safe and comfortable here,” PFF Secretary Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi told The Express Tribune. “The teams are satisfied with the facilities.

“It is after a gap of a year and a half that Lahore will finally witness an international football event. So far Punjab has been encouraging and adequate security arrangements have been provided by them.”

Lodhi added that the squads were presenting themselves professionally despite the fact that they were made up of U16 players.

“These children are very well-behaved, it doesn’t feel like we are dealing with youngsters.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2013.

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