Confidence booster: Pakistan recently defeated Afghanistan 2-1 in a friendly and will take that confidence into the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Yemen in March. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS
Pakistan’s draw for the preliminary World Cup qualifying round was revealed on Tuesday, which saw the national team pitted against Yemen on March 12 in an away match, followed by the second leg at home on March 17.
The 23-year-old represents KRL in the Pakistan Premier Football League and has been a part of the national side since 2011.
Mehmood also helped the team register their first win at home in a decade against Afghanistan last week.
“The key to winning matches in the qualifiers is to trust and support each other,” the 23-year-old told The Express Tribune. “We won our match against Afghanistan, who were a better-ranked side, against all odds. But I felt that one factor that bonded us was our trust in coach Shamlan.”
Mehmood added that since the World Cup qualifiers will be the most important tournament for Pakistan football this year, it is essential to perform well.
“The qualifiers are important, they are a good opportunity to prove ourselves. I know we can defeat Yemen in the event,” said Mehmood.
The midfielder will be flying to Malaysia with the national side for two friendly matches, after which the team will travel to Thailand for two more friendly fixtures.
He further said that the absence of Zesh Rehman and his KRL teammates Muhammad Adil and Kaleemullah is felt quite keenly.
“The friendly matches are the best practice we get. I hope Kaleem, Adil and Zesh can play with us,” said Mehmood.
Pakistan can reach second round, says assistant coach
Pakistan national team’s assistant coach Hassan Baloch said he believes that Pakistan have a bright chance of reaching the second round of the qualifiers.
“We have high expectations,” said Baloch. “The average age of our team is 22 and the players are energetic and keen to learn.”
Pakistan’s best performance at the World Cup qualifiers was in 2008, where they reached the second round.
“The difference between the team in 2008 and now is that we have younger players. Yemen is a tough side, but we’ll have a good chance,” said Baloch.
He added that the foreign-based players have also been told to join the national camp in Malaysia.
“We’ve sent out notifications to the international players,” he added. “We hope that Kaleemullah, Adil and Saddam [Hussain] can join us in time.”
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