KARACHI, March 2: It was a battle between David and Goliath as UAE unleashed a late charge to overcome an inexperienced Pakistan 4-1 in the Asian Cup soccer qualifier on Wednesday (partly reported in Thursday’s edition).

It was not the result which was unexpected but the spirit of the Pakistanis which proved the pundits wrong as hosts not only held UAE, one of the top Asian teams, for full 60 minutes but also went up after a Mohammad Essa stunner that shocked the visitors.

Pakistan, currently 157 in the world rankings, certainly deserve a pat on their back for the manner in which they battled against 57th nation in world rankings.

Not only Pakistan should be praised for showing teeth-gritting fight, but also because being a young and inexperienced side having no less than seven new faces inducted as part of rebuilding process after last December’s SAFF championship in Karachi.

Misbahul Hassan, Khalid Munir, Mohammad Waseem, Javeed Hamza, Naveed Khan, Samar Ishaq and Faheem Riaz were included to infuse young blood and prepare for this year’s SAF Games in Colombo.

While youngsters got much-needed international exposure, experienced Pakistan goalkeeper Jaffar Khan produced several stupendous saves throughout the game or the scoreline could have been much bigger.

There was, however, lack of firepower from the Pakistani strikers while the defenders, especially Jaffar had to work overtime. Pakistani custodian produced a stunning save just 14 minutes after the first whistle when Ali Al-Wehaibi assisted Faisal Al-Junaibi who pounced with a header only to be denied.

UAE were jubilant when Ismaeli Al-Junaibi found the net in the 32nd minute but Thai referee Satop Tongkhan disallowed, ruling seemingly for offside. Jaffar was again in action when he took 40-yard Aljunaibi free kick floated over Pakistani defensive wall.

The first goal-scoring opportunity came Pakistan’s way in the 39th minute when Abdul Aziz’s throw in was passed on by Essa to Imran Hussain whose shot was tipped away by UAE goalkeeper Waleed Al-Badrani.

While Omar and Ismaeili were the livewires, Faisal Al-Junaibi also came into action but his sweeping shot was well taken by Jaffar under the bar.

Omar made a brilliant weaving run past three defenders only to find Jaffar as big hurdle between him and the goal. UAE were displeased a minute before breather when Faisal Al-Junaibi scored from offside position and Tongkhan disallowed.

Pakistanis must have gained confidence after a lemon time pep talk by coach Salman Ahmed Sharida as Farooq Shah came into attack five minutes into second session, Al-Badrani saving effort with ease.

Home crowd went into raptures when Pakistan rocked the visitors with an outstanding goal in the 60th minute through an unmarked Essa who capitalised on a defensive lapse with a curling shot from 20 yards past Al-Badrani.

Pakistan made quick substitutions but failed against UAE rich experience which they showed through their resilience as they fired in four goals within 20 minutes, starting with the equaliser through a Mohamed Al-Balooshi header in 68th minute.

Ismaeili Al-Junaibi popped up on the end of three-touch move to drill home the second in the 77th minute. With Pakistan defence in disarray, UAE scored their third in the 82nd minute when Salem Alabadla literally walked the ball into the net.

Saeed Alkas rounded off the proceedings when he headed home a minute before fulltime after being fed by Humaid Majeed.

PAKISTAN: