Ali powers Pakistan past France

Published March 12, 2003

LAHORE, March 11: Pakistan registered its first win in the 5th Akhbar-el-Youm tournament outplaying France 4-1 first two drawn games against Poland and India with identical 1-1 margin in Cairo.

According a facsimile message received here Tuesday from Egypt Pakistan were powered to an impressive win due to a three goal spree by centre forward Mahmood Ali in a match played under lights on a clod afternoon.

At the Cairo Stadium Pakistan team looked bit shaky in the first half and in its quest to score goals at early stage the inexperienced forward line fumbled the chances.

In the 19th minute Ali opened the account with a diving effort near the post to give his side 1-0 lead at break.

Ali struck his second goal in the 42nd minute with a flick and in the 58th minute captain Tariq Aziz made it 3-0 taking the match beyond the reach of struggling opponents.

Four minutes later goal-hungry Ali scored his third goal after connecting a wonderful carpet short-corner by Imran Khan.

The last ten minutes of the play saw Pakistan squandered four chances.

Pakistan will play host Egypt in their next match.

In the other matches of the day India whipped Greece 10-0 and Poland routed Scotland 4-1.—APP

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