Pakistan battled hard to outshine arch rvials India 2-1 in the final to win their 1st ever SAFF U16 Football Championship title on Wednesday at Dasarath Rangsala Stadium, Katmandu. Goals from midfielder Muhammad Zeeshan and star striker Mansoor Khan proved too much for India to overcome as they went down once again in the tournament to a determined and resolute Pakistan U16 side.
This win marks the first time in five years that Pakistan has won a football event at any age level, since the 2006 South Asian Games football gold for Pakistan U23 under great Bahraini coach Salman Ahmed Sharida, said the information made available here.
The Pak U16 coaching staff of head coach Sajjad Mehmood and Hassan Baloch deserves full credit for the win as they defied all odds and hampered preparations before the tournament to guide the Green Guns to a historic win today. A large Nepali crowd was in full voice and cheering on Pakistan from the first whistle as the Indo-Pak rivals began another round against each other in football.
Both sides looked determined and focused for the win, but it was Pakistan who drew first blood in 23rd minute as Muhammad Zeeshan's speculative shot completely fooled India goalie Supritam and found the back of the net to put initial tournament favourites India behind once again. India went in hard again and managed to score just before half time through the impressive and hardworking Daniel Lalhlimpua to equalise.
But 5 minutes into the second half, a goalmouth scramble in India's box from a Pakistani corner saw Pak star striker Mansoor Khan sneak in a goal and shock India once again. The 2-1 Pakistani lead forced India to go aggressive on Pakistan's defence and came close a few times. But Pakistani defence led by captain Muneer and goalkeeper Usman Khan held firm as they ran the clock down.
India's desperate attempts proved futile as after nervy final minutes, Pakistan were crowned South Asian U16 football champions and going undefeated and only conceding one goal the entire tournament. Mansoor Khan's performances this tournament has won him many fans across South Asia as he was declared best player overall. Earlier the day, hosts Nepal left it late to beat Bangladesh 2-1 to finish 3rd in tournament. Pakistan U16 will return home reaching Karachi tomorrow Thursday, at 7:20 PM.
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