Pakistan under-16 soccer team created history by winning the inaugural SAFF Under-16 Championship beating India 2-1 in the final at the Dasrath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Wednesday. Amidst the packed stadium and cheering Nepalese crowd, Pakistan held their defence as strong as steel to keep the Indian strikers at bay who went lose in the dying stages of the game.
Pakistan’s attacking gained momentum with the passage of time after they went a goal ahead as the two teams were locked one-all by the half time. Pakistan’s Mansoor Khan was outstanding throughout the 90 plus injury and stoppage time and received kudos from all around. He was praised for his agility, accuracy and fighting spirit that led Pakistan to such a magnificent win. Pakistan went ahead in the 24th minute when Mohammad Zeeshan’s spectacular shot touched the Indian net giving no clue to Indian goalie Supritam.
Speaking on the occasion Pakistan U-16 Coach Sajjad Mahmood said: “We have done it. We have proved it. Pakistan football is growing and this is the proof. Our boys played a fantastic game. Mansoor played magnificent game throughout the tournament. I would like to congratulate my boys. We are so proud of these boys.” He also thanked the Nepal FA for organising this tournament and the Nepalese for their support in the final. “It was like we were playing at out home ground and it was the love of the Nepal people that boosted out team’s spirit,” he added. Pakistan started the game with proper coordination and went straight into the mark. It was a dangerous attempt to start the game when Pakistan’s Asfaq Ali beat off side trap but goalie Supratim comes out to block the shot and that was their to make the first save among many Pakistan strikers unleashed. Five minutes into the second half, Mansoor provided Pakistan the much needed lead in the match which remained intact till the final hooter. Even though Pakistan had to pull six players in to the defence to stay winners but if the team is to be given credit for the win, Usman Khan who stood under the bars was too remarkable to tackle every approaching move towards the Pakistan’s danger zone.
Pakistan came strong despite the fact that two of their main players were suspended for the final. According to the match commissioner, Sanjeev Mishra, Mohammad Bilal, star of the Pakistan win over Maldives with four goals, and Rasheed Noor were suspended due to two yellow cards. When two more minutes were added to the half time, India’s Daniel Lalhlimpua found the ball inside the Pakistan D-box that was perfectly finished by Mizo’s lad. India U-16 coach Joseph Thomas said: “It was a good final match. Our boys played their best. We don’t have to worry for this loss. Congratulations to Pakistan. We are looking forward to AFC U-16 Championship scheduled for next month. It was an amazing tournament for us. We entered the final despite losing the first match..” Mansoor Khan’s performances in this tournament has won him many fans across South Asia as he was declared best player of the event. The Pakistan U16 will now return to Karachi today (Thursday) at 7:20 PM at Karachi airport. Earlier, Nepal U-16 national team secured third place after beating Bangladesh U-16 2-1 in the Championship while Maldives got the fifth place.
Pakistan down India to win SAFF football title
