Football: Pakistan’s dismal campaign ends

Coach says win over India at AFC under-19 qualifiers was special.

KARACHI: Despite finishing fourth in the five-team pool, coach Anwar Shahzad drew consolation from Pakistan’s win over India in their last match of the AFC under-19 Championship qualifiers.

Pakistan beat India 2-1 on Tuesday after losing 3-0 to Uzbekistan and 2-1 against Turkmenistan before the hosts Iran recorded a crushing 5-0 win to send them packing.

However, Shahzad said the win against India was ‘special’ and praised the team’s performance. “Finishing the tournament with a win against India is special,” Shahzad told The Express Tribune. “Our team played well considering the competition. For example, Iran is one of the best teams in Asia.”

Against India, Bilawalur Rehman scored the opener in the 31st minute before completing his brace in the 43rd minute. India responded through a Jonychand Singh strike in the 53rd minute but failed to find an equalising goal.

While Iran and Uzbekistan qualified for the AFC under-19 Championship next year, Pakistan ended the campaign fourth and India finished third with a better goal difference.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th,  2011.