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Press Release-Pakistan break home crowd's hearts with late equalizer-PFF-AGHA-13-02-2013 Back To Main

Press Release
Attn: Sports Reporters/Bureau Chiefs

Maldives was stunned by a last-minute goal by Pakistan's Muhammad Hameed, settling for a 1-1 draw in the first of two international friendly games being played here in Male' Maldives.

According to the press release issued here by Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), Pakistan scored a very late goal to tromp Maldives dream of victory in the international friendly match played at a packed National Stadium last night. Assadullah Abdulla of Maldives scored in the 48th minute but the last kick of the game came to the Pakistan rescue.           

In the 11^th minute, Hassan Bashir (FW) superb shot went wide outside the box. In the 20^th minute a corner kick by Samar Ishaq was misplaced by Faisal Iqbal and the chance was lost. In 27^th minute, Hassan Bashir penetrated the defense line of Maldives and supplied a good ball to Kaleem Ullah but he failed to control it. In 37^th minute Maldives made a good shot but was saved by Jaffar Khan. In the first half nobody could score a goal. However, in 48^th minute Assadullah Abdullah from a header made the first goal for Maldives. In 56^th minute Jaffar Khan smashed the attempt of Ashfaq of Maldives netting the ball. In the last five minutes the games became very tense and Pakistan was desperate to secure a goal to equalize the match. In 90+2 minute Pakistan achieved in securing a good goal from corner, Ejaz passed to Muhammad Hameed who did not missed the golden opportunity by securing the most coveted goal, thus destroying Maldives’s dream of victory.

Pakistan National team coach Zaviša Milosavljević described the match against Maldives last night as a promising match and praised his boys for their effort throughout the game. “Pakistani team played a very competitive Match. We performed well and I am very satisfied about the motivation, aggression”.

President PFF, Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat showed great delight on the dedication of the Pakistani team and said that they have kept their promise. He was pleased with the effort of PFF in coaching of the players and training being given to them by their coaches. Moreover, he added that this draw will boost the morale of not only the youth but also the upcoming talent of the country.

General Secretary PFF, Lt. Col. ® Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi TI (M) promised to put in his altruistic effort beyond the call of his duty to make PFF a shining star in the world of football. In the end, he prayed for their well being and success in future.

The second international friendly game between the sides will be played on Thursday night at 2100 PST hrs at the National Stadium Male Maldives.

Agha Muhammad Ajmal
Media Manager
Pakistan Football Federation
Cell # +92-0301-4499578