LAHORE, June 4: Co-hosts Maldives stunned Pakistan 3-0 while defending champions India made a flying start by trouncing Nepal 4-0 on the opening day of the South Asian Football Championship at Male, Maldives on Tuesday night.

The defeat has dimmed Pakistan’s chances to make it to the last four as they have to play defending champions India on Thursday followed by their match against Nepal.

Mohamed Shifan gave hosts the lead in the dying minutes of the first half against Pakistan and ace striker Ahmed Thoriq's perfect header early in the second half doubled it.

An own goal from Pakistan defender Naveed Akram in the final seconds of the game confirmed Maldives triumph. Ali Umar provided the cross from the right wing and the under pressure defender Naveed headed the ball back into his own net to make it 3-0 for Maldives.

Meanwhile, further shocking news was in store for the Pakistan team as their ace player Zeeshan Rehman was declared unfit while coming back to Pakistan on the first available flight from England where he is based.

According to the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) secretary Ahmad Yar Lodhi, Zeeshan had developed an allergy problem on his way to Male.

However, no replacement is being sent to Maldives, the PFF said. Pakistan are already without regular skipper Mohammad Essa who is suffering from a thigh injury.

Chief coach Akhtar Mohiuddin said that the vociferous support of Maldives’ fans was instrumental in their team’s win and added that the Pakistani players were overawed by the atmosphere and the chanting crowds. “They were caught up in the atmosphere. Had our players been professionals, they would have fought back. But our team comprises mainly amateur players."

Akhtar added that Maldives side is not an outstanding team but they have got players capable of turning the game.

India, on the other hand, took a flying start by beating Nepal 4-0 in the opening match. India, the champions of 1993, 1997, 1999 and 2005 editions, will now be meeting Pakistan in a crucial match on Thursday.