Shymkent (TDI): Pakistan national under-16 football team ended their UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament campaign with a narrow 1–0 defeat to Azerbaijan at the BIIK Sports Complex in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
Despite dominating large spells of the match and showing strong attacking intent, Pakistan were undone late in the game when Azerbaijan’s Nazim Aliyev scored from close range in the 77th minute following a counterattack.
The situation worsened for Pakistan in the closing stages when defender Hamza was shown a straight red card in the 86th minute, leaving the team to finish the match with 10 players. Azerbaijan held on to secure the win.
The defeat meant Pakistan ended the tournament at the bottom of the standings, having earlier suffered defeats to hosts Kazakhstan and Russia. However, coach Mohammad Essa hailed the learning experience for his young charges.
“We played really positive football today with good attacking and build up play,” said Essa. “This is a learning tournament for us with Pakistan participating in UEFA competition for the first time and I think the boys played with a lot of spirit and determination.
“With more exposure I have no doubt that we will learn more and I thank PFF president Mohsen Gilani for arranging this opportunity for us.”
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Pakistan started with purpose against Azerbaijan, who had beaten Kazakhstan on penalties in their last match, with the midfield and forward line combining well and the consistent press giving their opponents little room.
They grew into the game and striker Danish Masih’s introduction in the second half saw several chances being created.
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However, Azerbaijan struck on the counter in the 77th minute when Pakistan lost possession and the ball was played to Aliyev.
Pakistan finished with 10 players when Hamza was shown a straight red in the 86th and despite pouring forward in the dying minutes, they couldn’t get an equaliser.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
