LAHORE – Pakistan U21 football team put up a positive display as they lost to Thailand 2-1 in a warm-up match. Both the teams will open their campaign in the 2012 London Olympics Qualifiers on February 23. Pakistan will face Malaysia and Thailand will take on Palestine.
Pakistan conceded an early goal when Ahsan Ullah failed to mark the Thai striker in the 4th minute and the ball flashed past Pakistan keeper Amir Gul. Skipper Jadeed Khan struck the equaliser in the ninth minute with a right footed shot after his deputy Rizwan Asif cut the ball in from the right flank. Thailand regained lead in the 18th minute when a right wing corner provided a clear head to the Thai striker, who swept the ball past a confused Amir.
Goalie Yousuf Butt replaced Amir Gul in the second session and prevented further damage with brave saves, not letting any drive go past his clutches as the match ended without any more goals being scored. Pakistan are undertaking their fifth visit of Thailand, where they will play three more warm up matches from February 7-20.
