Thailand register 2-1 win over Pakistan

Poor defence leads to loss, preparation for 2012 Olympics qualifier dealt a blow

Pakistan’s preparation for the 2012 Olympics qualifier was dealt a blow after a 2-1 loss to Thailand at the Rajamangala National Stadium.

Pakistan conceded an early lead when Ahsan Ullah failed to mark the Thai striker in the fourth minute as the ball was placed past Amir Gul. However, captain Jadeed Khan levelled the score five minutes later with a right-footed finish after an assist from his deputy Rizwan Asif.

Thailand, however, regained the lead in the 18th minute when the Pakistani defence failed to clear a corner as a Thai player swept the ball past the goalkeeper.

Pakistan will face Malaysia and Thailand will take on Palestine in the qualifiers that take place on February 23. The Pakistan team is currently on its fifth visit of Thailand where they will play three more warm-up matches during the two-week camp.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th, 2011.