SHYMKENT (Kazakhstan): Pakistan’s Under-16 side conceded a late winner after being reduced to 10 men, losing 2-1 to Russia in their second match of the UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament on Monday.

Russia took a seventh-minute lead through Aleksandr Braginets’ low drive from the right. Pakistan goalkeeper Naveedullah kept his side in the game, while Muhammad Hanzala saw his effort saved just before half-time.

Pakistan equalised in the 50th minute. Danish Masih won a header that Russia goalkeeper Arseniy Rihelgof could only push into the path of Shahraz Khan, who scored.

The match turned in the 72nd minute when Pakistan midfielder Essa received a second yellow card. One minute later, Maksim Ivanov scored what proved to be the winner for Russia.

Head coach Mohammad Essa said his side had shown improvement after their opening 4-1 loss to Kazakhstan.

“It was a much-improved performance,” Essa said. “We fought for every ball, we went for every tackle. It is a result that gives us a lot of heart heading into our last game of the tournament against Azerbaijan.”

Pakistan’s players went toe-to-toe with their higher-rated opponents for large periods, creating chances and defending resolutely until the red card shifted the balance.

Pakistan will face Azerbaijan in their final group match.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2026