Pakistan’s coach Shehzad Anwar satisfied despite Maldives loss

• Pakistan’s senior men’s football team lost 0-1 to Maldives.
• In an international friendly on Tuesday in Laamu, Gan.
• Ibrahim Aisam scored for Maldives from a corner.

Pakistan’s senior men’s football team lost 0-1 to Maldives in an international friendly on Tuesday in Laamu, Gan, Addu City’s southernmost island.

In the 20th minute, Ibrahim Aisam scored for Maldives from a corner.

Pakistan made significant efforts but was unable to achieve parity.

Pakistan has already lost two friendly matches in the last four months. Pakistan also lost 0-1 to Nepal in November in Nepal, a game that marked the Green-shirts’ comeback to the international circuit after a three-year absence.

Despite the loss, Pakistan head coach Shehzad Anwar was pleased with how his team performed in the event.

“I am very much satisfied with today’s performance from my boys,” Shehzad said after the match.

“You know Maldives are more experienced team and their 90 percent players were from Maldives champion club Maziya which returned recently from Saudi Arabia after holding a camp there,” Shehzad said.

He said that Pakistan played spiritedly.

“Our boys played really well and their fitness was also fine. We got several chances but could not capitalise on the opportunities. I think Maldives just got one corner in the entire game and scored through that,” said Shehzad, a pro license coach.

Abdul Samad, a striker from Denmark, and Harun Hamid, a 19-year-old midfielder from London, both earned their debuts. Shehzad stated that both players performed admirably.

“They were excellent and I think they can play for Pakistan for long,” Shehzad said.

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