Football: Malaysia dominate Pakistan in qualifier

Pakistan under-23 team goes down 2-0 to Malaysia in first leg of 2012 London Olympics qualifiers.

KARACHI: The Pakistan under-23 team went down to Malaysia 2-0 in the first leg of the 2012 London Olympics qualifiers. The match, held at the Shah Alam Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was dominated by the hosts throughout as striker Wan Zaharul Nizam Zakaria scored the opener in just the fourth minute.

Pakistan defenders, struggling to find a strategy, gave too many opportunities to the hosts. However, Pakistan goal-keeper Yousuf Butt saved his side from embarrassment as he saved Shakir Ali’s shot at the target. With continued pressure, Pakistan captain Jadeed Khan’s injury in the 27th minute added to the visitors’ woes, already trailing 1-0.

If that setback was not enough, Pakistan suffered again when striker Ansar Abbas was sent off after a foul near the half-time interval. Malaysia capitalised and doubled their lead at half-time.

Already 2-0 down, Pakistan substituted their goal-keeper Butt, who sat on the bench with an injury, with Mohammad Omer. The change did Pakistan no good as Malaysia went hard at the goal post.

The desperation was evident in the Pakistan camp with coach Tariq Lutfi making quick changes towards the end but to no avail.

“Malaysia has been a tough team,” Lutfi told The Express Tribune. “I can say that my team gave it all towards the end of the match.

“Qualifying for the London Olympics is our dream that we are chasing. But I’m telling my players to handle the pressure. However, I can say that the nerves got the better of us in this match and for the next one I have a very different strategy.”

Pakistan host the second match of the Olympic qualifiers against the same team on March 9 in Lahore.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 24^th, 2011.