MADINAH, April 12: Pakistan will meet Malaysia under must-win situation, to reach the quarterfinals, without first choice goalkeeper Jaffar Khan in the football event of the 1st Islamic Games at King Fahad Sport City, Taif on Wednesday.
A draw is enough to move Malaysia into the quarterfinals after they had held Morocco to a goalless draw.
Morocco, who had beaten Pakistan in the opener 2-0 ,had qualified for the last eight from three-team pool ‘D’.
“Jaffar could not recover from the injury he received against Morocco and his deputy Shahzad will face Malaysia”, coach Tariq Lutfi said.
“I am still hopeful my boys will perform better against Malaysia despite all odds”, he said.
He said that except for Jaffar the other players were fit.
“We will have a practice session in the evening before meeting Malaysia”, Lutfi said.
Pakistan coach said that Shahzad played well in the second half against Morocco as he conceded one goal against a strong side but admitted that Malaysia were a quality outfit.
He lamented that Pakistan lacked international exposure.
“We are playing international matches after one year and the players had only played in national league before competing in the Islamic Games”, he said.
