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| April 3, 2006 | Monday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 4, 1427 |
Essa strike helps Pakistan upset Kyrgyzstan
KARACHI, April 2: Mohammad Essa’s second half strike gave Pakistan a stunning 1-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan in their first match of the AFC Challenge Cup at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday. According to reports available here, both sides fought well in the opening half, although Kyrgyzstan were favourites against Pakistan who have gone through major changes since last December’s SAFF championship in Karachi.
Despite being in possession in the first half, Kyrgyzstan failed to give their moves finishing touch, while Pakistan counter-attacked but could not pose any serious threat to the opposition either.
It was in the second session that Pakistanis got out of the groove but Adeel Ahmad’s effort after a goalmouth melee was well taken by Kyrgyzstan goalkeeper Volkov for a corner in the 52nd minute.
While Adeel could not break the ice, just seven minutes later he set up star striker Essa whose left-footed chip went pass Volkov to give Pakistan their first goal in seven matches since SAFF championship group finale against Maldives.
Kyrgyzstan mounted pressure to equalize through substitutes Verevkin and Krasnov. The losers were, however, kept at bay by Pakistan goalkeeper Jaffar Khan who produced an acrobatic save to deny Krasnov from 30 yards.
Pakistan coach Salman Ahmed Sharida felt happy over the upset victory but for him his side should not be complacent with two more matches to play.
Pakistan are placed in what is being billed as Group of Death along with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Macau. They play their second group match against Tajikistan on Tuesday.
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