Lahore, 1 March: Young Pakistani team put up brave fight to restrict Palestine to only 2-1 win in the first Test of Bilateral four test-series at Punjab Stadium, Lahore today. All the goals emerged in the first half while second session remained barren.
Al Sidawi led Palestine drew first blood in the 24th minute when striker Atef Abubelal cut in from right and clipped the ball past keeper Muhammad Omar. Six minutes later Palestine got first of the two penalties given by Referee Khurram Shahzad in the tussle. Stopper Husham Wadi steered the ball past Omar with low drive. Pakistan pulled one back when in the 36th minute Muhammad Tauseef (WAPDA) made no mistake from spot-kick after left full Samer Hlsi fouled Faisal Iqbal. Palestine led 2-1 at interval and kept the scoreline until end.
Technical Study Group (TSG), comprised of Shahzad Anwar, Mohammad Habib, Zahid Niaz, Aamir Khan, also noted the strong/weak links of both the teams. PFF is depending a lot of Youth Coaches and the ball boys, provided by Lahore-born Siddiq Qadri (Garhi Shahue), performed their work to the utmost satisfaction of both the teams and Technical Officials.
Following were two teams:
PAKISTAN
Goal keepers: Muhammad Omar (KESC), Amir Gul (NBP)
Defenders: Manzoor Ahmed (WAPDA), Alamgir Khan (Police), Ahsan Ullah (PEL), Obaid Majeed (KPT), Ansar Abbas (Army)
Midfielders: Faisal Iqbal (NBP), Syed Arif Hussain (WAPDA), Muhammad Tauseef (WAPDA), Muhammad Adil (KRL), Mahmood Khan (KRL), Irfan Khan (Bradford Park Avenue Association Football Club, England)
