Pakistan

2018 World Cup: FIFA announces new date for qualifier

Pakistan will now play their second-leg against Yemen on March 23 in Bahrain

Natasha Raheel March 18, 2015

Both teams were ready to take to the field on Tuesday but the political unrest in Lahore required FIFA officials to reassess the situation after which a decision was made to shift the tie to later date at a neutral venue. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS

KARACHI: After a forced delay, Pakistan will now play the second-leg of the 2018 FIFA World Cup preliminary qualifier against Yemen on March 23 in Manama, Bahrain.

Both teams were ready to take to the field on Tuesday but the political unrest in Lahore required FIFA officials to reassess the situation after which a decision was made to shift the tie to later date at a neutral venue.

“Following the postponement of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Pakistan and Yemen that was due to be played on March 17, 2015 in Lahore, FIFA confirmed today confirmed that the said game will take place on March 23, 2015 in Manama [Bahrain]. The stadium and kick off-time will be announced in due time,” FIFA spokesperson told The Express Tribune.

Pakistan comes first

With the new qualifier dates confirmed, key striker Kaleemullah has decided to put Pakistan before his club career.

The 22-year-old was invited to join Iceland’s Þróttur Reykjavík FC on March 25. However, he said that he will be play for his country instead and hope that he gets his visa for Iceland on time.

“It’s great that we will play against Yemen but this has put me on edge,” said Kaleemullah. “I was supposed to join the Icelandic club on March 25, but now I have to get visas for two countries in less than a week.

“FIFA announced the date sooner than I expected but Pakistan comes first and we need to win against Yemen by all means.”

The Chaman-based player added that it will be an amazing opportunity for him to improve his game and also prove his talent in Europe after having already received the best player award in Kyrgyzstan with FC Dordoi.

Meanwhile, assistant coach Hassan Baloch said the team is prepared for the all-important match. “We can still defeat Yemen with a margin of two goals [after losing 3-1 in the first-leg],” said Baloch. “We have all the players we need. It’s going to be the same squad except for Muhammad Ali and Nabeel Aslam.”
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