'The U23 players of the current squad will remain the backbone of the national team and we hope to beat highly-ranked outfits of Asia in the future.' -APP (file)

LAHORE The President of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF),Faisal Saleh Hayat on Tuesday expressed delight and congratulated Pakistan football team for their spirited display in earning an exhilarating 6-0 win over Brunei Darussalam at Colombos AFC Challenge Cup tie.

 

'To beat Brunei with a wide margin is a big achievement and the success showed that our footballers have courage, exuberance and stamina. Despite fielding a second choice keeper, Pakistan's display and their marksmanship will ever be remembered in Pakistan soccer history. They played superbly for a young team,' said Faisal.

 

Faisal observed that the team under Austrian Coach Georg Kottan gave a fine performance and hoped the team will continue its best performance in the coming encounter.

 

'The U23 players of the current squad will remain the backbone of the national team and we hope to beat highly-ranked outfits of Asia in the future,' he hoped.

 

Faisal specially praised the performance of NWFPs winger Safi Ullah for his four-goals in the game, which is a new record in PFFs 62-year history.

 

He also spoke highly about vice-captain Abdul Aziz, Chamans Jadeed Khan, veteran Naseer Ahmed and stopper Samar Ishaq for inspiring the team to a fine win.

 

Faisal concluded 'To restrict opposition from scoring even consolation goal shows that our footballers have firm defensive ability to face more skilful opponents. It was second time running in the entire history of Pakistans participation in AFC soccer events that they managed to manage half-dozen goals win over an opponent after 9-2 win over Guam last year.'

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