LAHORE – Pakistan lost the opening match of the two-match friendly home and away series against Palestine 2-1 here at the Punjab Stadium on Tuesday night. The young Pakistan team fought hard on the field but the visiting team proved to be much superior in ball control, passing and physique, although they, like the Pakistanis, were young players preparing for AFC Cup.
Pakistan went into the match with an attempt on the Palestine goal, only to see mid-fielder Syed Arif Hassan miss the chance. The counterattack launched by Palestine also went in vain. But Atef Abu Bilal came up with a perfect hit right into the Pakistan post in the 24th minute of the game to push Palestine one up. Palestine team gained momentum with every passing moment and their passes got more secure. That provided them with a penalty in the 29th minute and Hussam Wadi did the job, beating Pakistan keeper Mohammad Umer fair and square.
Though Umer dived in the right direction, the kick was too fast for him. The visitors were leading by two goals when a dangerous tackle by the visiting team defender right on top of the circle provided Pakistan a penalty and a chance to reprieve the damage done through missed chances. Midfielder Mohamamd Tauseef reduced the margin to 2-1 with a faultless kick. The score-line remained at 2-1 even after the game entered the second half and until the final whistle.
Palestine missed a chance when Murad Said’s kick from the mid-field hit the upper bar of the Pakistan goal post. There was some improvement in the Pakistani ranks and all they need to do now is to pick up some stamina and perfect their control. Pakistan will now play the second friendly on March 4 at Karachi’s Peoples Stadium and later fly to Palestine to play another two matches of the away leg on May 24 and 27.
