Kuwait carved out a battling 2-0 win against a fighting Pakistan side in the AFC U-16 Championship 2012 qualifiers Group B game at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium in Kuwait City on Wednesday night. Kuwait U-16 football team took an early lead after eight minutes played through striker Bandar Bourslee, forcing Pakistan U-16 to chase the game. The proactive and ambitious attacks by Pakistan shook Kuwait by surprise as a combination of good all-round play in attack and defence saw Kuwait suddenly on the back foot. Pakistan came close a few times with some quick counterattacks but failed to find the back of the net. Kuwait did force Pakistan defence and goalkeeper Usman Khan to deny them another goal but the hosts managed to maintain their 1-0 lead through out the entertaining first half with end-to-end football by both sides.
In the second half, Kuwait’s change of tactics and tempo put Pakistan on the back foot as they retained ball possession and pushed the Pakistani midfield and defence time and again. Kuwait’s second goal through midfielder Abdul Aziz Haider was not unexpected as their 2-0 lead in 51st minute shook Pakistan’s confidence and focus. Kuwait came close to scoring a few times only for Pakistani defence and goalie denying them time and again. With minutes left before the end, Pakistan did manage to come close but Kuwaiti goalie pulled off a superb save from a Mansoor free kick as Kuwait eventually held on for a 2-0 win. In the other Group B games, UAE U-16 were held to a 1-1 draw by surprise package Afghanistan U-16 as both teams shared the spoils at the end. Kuwait now top Group B with four points while Pakistan are second with three points after two games. Pakistan will now face another challenge with UAE on Saturday at Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium.
