ISLAMABAD: Sri Lanka beat hosts Pakistan 2-1 in the opening match of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship here at the Jinnah Stadium on Tuesday.

The third edition of the SAFF championship kicked off here amid colourful ceremony inaugurated by Federal Minister for IPC Riaz Hussain Pirzada.

During the first 30 minutes, both teams played better game keeping attacks at each other’s net. However, in the 33rd minute, Sri Lanka’s J.P. Ishara Madushani while taking advantage of a defensive error of the hosts scored a goal.

Later on, in second half, Sri Lankan striker E. Kumudumala also scored a convincing goal when a Pakistani defender gave a wrong pass to her side.

Pakistan’s striker and captain Hajra Khan who squandered at least two scoring chances finally in the 89th minute managed to put the ball into the opponents’ net, but it was too late.

“Although we fought for victory unfortunately we did not succeed. But we will play better in our matches,” Hajra told reporters.

Commenting on his team’s defeat, head coach Tariq Lutfi said that the young Pakistani team was under process of development which resulted in their failure to face pressure of international pressure.

Members of Afghanistan women’s football team take part in march-past during the SAFF Championship inaugural ceremony.—INP

“Sri Lanka was not a tough side and we could win the but our players could not come up to the expectations today,” said Tariq further said, adding that he hoped that in the upcoming matches they will show good performance.

He said that the hosts will face Nepal on Nov 14 which is one of the best teams of the tournament after India.

“To counter Nepal, we will make a special plan tomorrow.” he maintained.

Earlier, Federal Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada inaugurated the opening ceremony of the championship, featuring eight South Asian teams including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan and India, which is yet to arrive. However, the Pakistan Football Federation says the neighbouring team will reach tonight.

The minister stated that visiting players would be provided with best facilities and added that the tournament would promote country’s soft image.

Wednesday’s fixture:

Nepal vs Bhutan at 2.30 pm.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2014