PESHAWAR, June 13: Pakistan and India football captains vowed on Monday their sides would perform better in the second game at Qayyum Stadium on Thursday night to take lead in the three-match series. Pakistan captain Jaffar Khan was optimistic and said his side would take lead in the series. But he admitted his forwards committed mistakes.

“We got numerous opportunities but our forwards could not avail the chances,” he regretted. We have will try to rectify our mistakes in the next match which is crucial for both teams.

“India have comparatively better and experienced players than us but our morale is high. We have beaten them in the SAF Games and will try to do it again,” he said.

The opening game of the series in Quetta on Sunday ended in an exciting 1-1 draw.

Indian skipper S. Venkatesh said he was not satisfied with the performance of his side in the first match.

“Sunday’s match was our first one because of which players were not so confident. They looked a bit confused,” he told reporters as both teams reached here in the afternoon.

“We will try hard to win the second match here.”

He said Pakistan team was physically strong and sound. “They (Pakistanis) played well and gave us tough time in the first match.”

Both the skippers were of the view that football series should be held regularly between the two arch-rivals on the pattern of cricket which would not only promote the game but also help in easing political tensions.