Pakistan U-16 football team began their AFC U-16 Championship qualification campaign with style to earn a 4-0 win over a hapless Maldives U-16 team in Kuwait on Monday night. The Pakistan U-16 boys continued their fine form and the confidence they put on during their SAFF U-16 Championship victory as they took Maldives to the sword once again from the start in the opening fixtures of the AFC U-16 qualifiers Group B at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium, Kuwait City.
Pakistan took the lead in the 13th minute of the game when Muhammad Bilal scored off a perfectly placed pass from star striker Mansoor Khan. Bilal’s shot sneaked past the goal post and landed straight into the net giving Pakistan a one-goal lead.
About three minutes later, Mansoor got his name on the score sheet when his well placed shot just inside the box found the net, leaving Maldives in total disarray.
At half-time, Pakistan were comfortably placed at 2-0 and were determined to come up with some more jovial showing.
In the 63rd minute, A Mansoor Khan cross found the head of Bilal, who flicked it on for impressive winger Sher Ali to finish the move. Pakistan went three goals up and took the game well beyond the reach of Maldives.
In the ending moments, midfielder Raza Ali made it 4-0 when his 20-yard shot flew past the goalkeeper as Pakistan U-16 team ended the game with a dominating performance over their fellow SAFF rivals.
In the other games of the group, Yemen were held 1-1 by UAE, Kuwait came from behind to draw Afghanistan 1-1 earlier in the day to avoid a humiliating loss. The results mean that Pakistan are currently on top in the Group B with three points and a (+4) goal difference.
Pakistan will now face hosts Kuwait in the next game on 14 September (today).
Meanwhile, Pakistan Football Federation President Makhdoom Syed Fasail Saleh Hayat and chief of the Sindh Football Association congratulated all the players of the Pakistan U-16 football team for their thumping win.
Senior Vice President South Asian Football Federation, Vice President Pakistan Football Federation, President Sindh Football Association and Ex MNA Syed khadim Ali Shah congratulated all the members of team, especially Mansoor khan, Bilal, Sher Ali and Ali Raza, who scored against Maldives.
