RIO DE JANEIRO: Burundi, a small landlocked country in the African Great Lakes region of Southeast Africa, dashed the hopes of Pakistan Street Child football team on Saturday with a 4-3 close victory and reached the finals of the Street Child World Cup (SCWC).

The spirited Pakistani side gained a lead of 3-1 in the first half of the semi final with their characteristic aggressive play. However, Burundi came back hard in the second half scoring 3 goals to oust the South Asian side from the world title race.

Earlier on Friday, the Pakistani side beat Philippines in the penalty shoot out to reach the semis. The game was forced into a penalty shootout after full-time and extra-time failed to break the 1-1 deadlock between the two teams.

Pakistani children eventually emerged victorious after scoring three penalties as opposed to the two the Philippines managed to score.

Previously they had defeated Kenya 2-0 in their second match of the tournament after defeating defending champions India 13-0 in the opener.

The SCWC brings together some of the most disadvantaged youths from 19 countries for 10 days of football, art, sightseeing and workshops.

The Pakistan team was sent to the World Cup by Azad Foundation, British Council and Unicef.

The Amos Trust, a British non-profit organisation, convinced football's governing body FIFA to initiate the Street Child World Cup in 2010.

The first edition was held in South Africa ahead of the 2010 World Cup and featured Brazil, South Africa, Nicaragua, Ukraine, India, the Philippines, Tanzania and a team from England.

Pakistan will now face United States for a third place match on Sunday.