Former football skippers have congratulated Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat for Pakistan's biggest-win in international soccer circuit.
Pakistan created history in the world of soccer when they joined the teams who have the honour of scoring nine or more goals in Fifa-recognised internationals when they thrashed Guam 9-2 in AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers (Group-A) on April 6, at Chinese Taipei's Chungshan Stadium in Taipei.
"Faisal Saleh Hayat is taking tangible steps in boosting football among Pakistani men and women, and it is heartening that Pakistan's game plan is much on offensive style and scoring goals, while in past reliance was on tight-marking and packed defence. Pakistan managed 12 goals in three matches at Taipei and it was first time in entire 51-year history of PFF that their national soccer team hit double-figure in AFC event," Ghulam Rabbani, captain of Pakistan football team said.
Rabbani represented Pakistan in 7-0 win over Thailand in 1960 Merdeka Cup, which was Pakistan's previous best win in international soccer circuit, equalled by current national team on Sunday. Ghulam Sarwar Teddy, gold medalist as captain in 1991 SAF Games, applauded former Wohaib Football Club's stopper Muhammad Ahmed for joining those players in the world who have the honour of representing nation in five various levels.
Son of LDFRA's Secretary Muhammad Islam, Ahmed represented Pakistan U14 at Nepal 2004, Pakistan U17 at India 2005, Pakistan U20 at Tajikistan 2005, Pakistan U21 in Beijing Olympics Qualifiers 2007 before earning cap in full "A" international against Guam.
Shaukat Mufti, captain of Pakistan in 1986 Iran 's ten-day Tournament, said that the vital ingredients of morale and fighting spirit were also superb as Pakistan staged significant revitalisation after drubbing at the hands of Sri Lanka to overcome Guam.
Akbar Raisani, skipper of Pakistan in the 1981 King Cup in Bangkok, said the team won the hearts of fans back home through huge-win over Guam and hoped that National team would continue their goal-scoring style in seventh SAFF Championship in Sri Lanka and the Maldives in June.