Pakistan Squander Chances in Goalless Draw Vs Bangladesh |
Back To Main |
03-Dec-2011
The News
By News Correspondent
KARACHI: Pakistan were left to rue missed chances on Friday as they played out a goalless draw with Bangladesh in the opening match of SAFF Championship at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.
According to the information received here, Pakistani strikers failed to capitalise on the chances that came their way in their Group ‘B’ encounter in what was their first match under new Serbian coach Zavisa Milosavljevich.
Bangladesh coach Nikolai Ilievski preferred to start with his third choice goalkeeper Sahidul Alam, while Pakistan fielded foreign-based Atif Bashir and Adnan Ahmed.
Atif had a golden opportunity in the second minute of the match, but he failed to give his team a lead.
Bangladesh failed to play fluent football, as they were paying more attention to solidify their midfield and defense, but they had a couple of free-kicks. Pakistan’s goalkeeper and skipper Jaffar Khan was in sublime form and kept Bangladesh at bay.
Jadeed Khan Pathan provided a perfect cross in the 24th minute which was hit over the bar by Faisal Iqbal.
The men in green pressed hard and Alam had to come off his line in order to deny Atif Bashir on the half-hour mark after he outwitted Bangladesh backline with his run.
Jadeed Khan then provided another sublime cross, which was yet again sent over. The guilty man this time was Saddam Hussain.
The second period was similar affair as Adnan Farooq struck the crossbar. Kaleemullah failed to capitalise when he was one on one with the goalkeeper.
Substitute Hasnain Abbas had an easy opportunity, but he failed to connect properly. Shakir Lashari had a perfect opportunity in the 89th minute to seal the victory for Pakistan, but it was not just their day. Jaffar Khan was adjudged as man of the match for his outstanding glovework. |
