First international tour: Pakistan women open campaign in Bahrain on Thursday

Their football structure makes them a strong side, says coach Lutfi


Natasha Raheel October 22, 2014

KARACHI: The Pakistan women’s football team will begin its three-match series against Bahrain in Manama on Thursday. This is the first ever international friendly series for the Pakistan women.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) have sent the team for a preparatory tour ahead of the 2014 South Asian Football Federation Women’s Championship (Saff) that will take place in Lahore in November.

Coach Tariq Lutfi, who has accompanied the team to Bahrain, believes the hosts will be a tough opposition to beat.

“We can’t say much at the moment, but from what we’ve heard, Bahrain are very good,” Lutfi told The Express Tribune.

“The structure for women’s football in Bahrain is great. They have their local leagues beginning from the U12 category till the national side, so I can say that they will be a formidable side.”

The coach added that his aim is to instill confidence in his players and ensure that the experience benefits them at the Saff Championship.

“My target is that the team should improve and learn from this tour,” said Lufti. “This, in fact, is the first time our women are playing abroad on a friendly tour so it’s huge. Bahrain, on the other hand, get to play international matches all year, so I believe that we’ll only gain from this opportunity by taking on a strong side.”

The players trained on Wednesday ahead of the friendly, which will begin 8:30pm PST.

Pakistan men expect good results

National player and KRL’s key midfielder Muhammad Qasim said that the Pakistan women’s team should make the country proud on their first friendly abroad.

“My expectations are realistic. Bahrain is a very strong team, but I know our women and coach Lutfi can give them a tough time,” he said.

Meanwhile, another national footballer, Arif Mehmood, said that this tour can also inspire other women footballers in the country.

“Even if they manage to win just one match, they’ll become legends here,” said Mehmood.

 

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