Pakistan thrash Maldives 4-0 in AFC U-16 opener

KARACHI: Pakistan teenagers got off to a great start in Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-16 Football Championship qualifying rounds as they thrashed Maldives 4-0 in the opening match at Ali Al Sabah Stadium, Kuwait City under lights on Tuesday.

Pakistan boys maintained their fine run after winning the SAFF U-16 Championship victory as they torn apart Maldives defence.

According to report received from Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), Pakistan took the lead after 13 minutes when Muhammad Bilal scored off a well-placed pass from star striker Mansoor Khan. Bilal's shot hit the post and went in as Pakistan went 1-0 up.

Three minutes later, Mansoor got his name on the scoresheet when his well-placed shot just inside the box found the net as Maldives defence were in complete disarray.

At half-time, Pakistan looked comfortable 2-0. In 63rd minute, a Mansoor Khan cross found the head of Bilal, who flicked it on for impressive winger Sher Ali who finished with aplomb as Pakistan went 3-0 up and took the game well beyond the reach of Maldives. Midfielder Raza Ali then made it 4-0 when his 20 yard shot flew past the goalkeeper three minutes later as Pakistan ended the game with a dominating performance over their fellow SAFF rivals.

In other games of the group, Yemen was 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 is currently on top in Group B with three points. Pakistan now faces hosts Kuwait in next game on Thursday.