Pakistan Olympic Association

09-Oct-2012

Pakistan Football Federation

Press Release, Attn: Sports Reporters/Bureau Chiefs

Pakistan National U-14 Football team defeated Japan Youth U-14 team by 1-0 in their opening match of the SAFF U-14 Football Exchange Programme October 9-19, 2012 at Tokinosumika Sports Centre, Tokyo bringing historic movement in Pakistan’s football.

According to the press release issued here by Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), the goal scored in the match was claimed by Babar Saeed in 9^th minute through penalty Kick. It has been a great victory for Pakistan on an international forum when its tigers thrashed Japan U-14  Youth team to win the game. It will not be out of place to mention here that the PFF Vision 2020 which is relate to Youth Development Programme set up by PFF is on right direction for the development of youth football with many more to come. God willing, Pakistan team will be among the top fifteen team of the Asia.    

Lt. Col. ® Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi, TI (M), General Secretary PFF in his message said that the performance confirms that at youth level, the players have the will and zeal to compete. Pakistan deserves full credit for the win as they defied all odds before the tournament to guide the Green Guns to a historic win today. Many congratulations to the people of Pakistan and football family of Pakistan.

Pakistan has been placed in Group B with the Maldives, Nepal, JFA Academy 2 and Sri Lanka, according to the draws unveiled by the Japan Football Federation (JFF) for the Japan-SAFF U-14 Football Exchange Programme penciled in for October 9-19 at Tokinosumika Sports Centre, Tokyo, Japan. India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, JFA Academy 1, Bhutan and India have been adjusted in Group A.

After beating Japan 14-Youth National team Pakistan now will face Sri Lanka on October 10 at 0630 Hours PST (6:30 AM) and Maldives at 0630 Hours PST (6:30 PM) on October 11.

It is pertinent to mention here that this programme is financed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in order to enhance global understanding of Japan’s reconstruction efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake. By the full support of the programme, Japan Football Association is organizing the U-14 Youth Football Exchange to support the exchange of youth players among the participating countries and Japan.