Kuwait down Pakistan in U-16 qualifiers

Fatigued squad fails to build on its opening win.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s young brigade came crashing down to earth as it succumbed 2-0 to Kuwait in the AFC U-16 Championship 2010 football qualifiers after a 4-0 win against Maldives.

The hosts started aggressively and took an early lead when striker Bandar Bourslee pierced Pakistan’s defence to score in the eighth minute.

Despite Pakistan’s efforts to equalise, the score remained 1-0 at the interval. Pakistan showed signs of fatigue in the second half, allowing the hosts to control play and continue to attack.

The efforts paid dividends when Kuwait made it 2-0 through midfielder Abdul Aziz Haider who struck in the 51st minute.

In the other Group B match, UAE were held to a 1-1 draw by Afghanistan. Kuwait sit top of the group with four points while Pakistan is second with three.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th,  2011.