A learning experience on a new frontier for Pakistan under-16 team
Shymkent (GNP) : Pakistan’s next generation made history when they stepped onto the pitch at the BIIK Sports Complex for their opening match of the UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament in Shymkent, Kazakhstan on Saturday even though the result was not the one they would have wanted.
Pakistan coach Mohammed Essa, however, hailed the learning experience on offer for his side after seeing his charges lose 4-1 to hosts Kazakhstan.
“This is a learning experience for the team since it is the first time that a Pakistan side is playing in a UEFA competition,” said Essa. “It was the first game for the team here and I think we did well after a tough first half.”
Pakistan were 4-0 down at the end of the first half but were more vibrant in the second half where captain Abdul Samad pulled a goal back with a bullet header off a pinpoint Muhammad Hanzala cross from the right.
“It wasn’t the result that we wanted,” said Samad. “But we will take our learnings from this match and come out stronger and better in the second match.”
Pakistan next face Russia on Monday but they are encouraged after a resilient showing in the second half, where they created more chances with substitute Danish Masih going close twice.
Kazakhstan opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Platon Shipstin scored from a penalty before Anuar Tolendi scored on a counter in the 21st.
Kazakhstan captain David Zarechnyy made it 3-0 after a defensive lapse in the 30th with Daniyar Kassi scoring with a header in injury time at the end of the first half.
Pakistan regrouped at half time and came back strongly with Samad’s goal fuelling belief of a better showing in the next game against Russia.
