May 5, 2002	Sunday	Safar 21, 1423

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KARACHI, May 4: Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has expressed its disappointment over the failure of the team for not making the final rounds of Asian Under-20 Football Championship.

They could not qualify despite coming so close to gain a berth for the first time in the tournament after being held to a 2-2 draw by Bangladesh in their last league outing in the four team contest. Other two teams were Sri Lanka and Maldives.

“Team failed to keep the ball possession during the crucial last 20 minutes with Bangladesh which sealed Pakistan’s fate to qualify for the finals” PFF Secretary General Agha Liaquat Ali told reporters Saturday.

Bangladesh advanced to the Asian under-20 finals on a superior goal-average after they were tied on seven points with Pakistan.

“Though we were unable to qualify for the Asian under-20 final rounds, we are satisfied with the overall performance of the boys” Agha said.

He admitted that Pakistani boys made the mistake of going on all out attack in the last 20 minutes despite enjoying 2-0 lead against Bangladesh.

“Had Pakistani boys kept the possession during that period they might have qualified for Asian event” he said.

He claimed that football in the country would improve but it would take another five years when Pakistan may join the top teams in Asia. He said Pakistan team will give good account of itself in 2004 Asia Cup.

PFF secretary said boys were paid a daily allowance of Rs.60 in the training camp and during the course of the Asian under-20 Group-V qualifiers.

Commenting on the controversy about host Pakistan including over-age players, he said Match Commissioner Lok Bahadur of Nepal had not complained to PFF nor Bangladesh lodged any official protest with AFC officials.

He claimed that Match Commissioner had expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements made for the championship.—APP