SHYMKENT (Kazakhstan): Pakistan’s under-16 boys’ team conceded four goals in the first half before pulling one back after the break, losing 4-1 to hosts Kazakhstan in their opening match of the UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament at the BIIK Sports Complex on Saturday.

The match marked the first time a Pakistan side has competed in a UEFA competition.

Kazakhstan opened the scoring in the seventh minute through a penalty converted by Platon Shipstin. Anuar Tolendi doubled the lead on a counter-attack in the 21st minute, and captain David Zarechnyy made it 3-0 after a defensive lapse in the 30th. Daniyar Kassi added a fourth with a header in first-half injury time.

Pakistan regrouped after the interval and produced a more vibrant performance. Captain Abdul Samad pulled a goal back with a bullet header off a pinpoint cross from Muhammad Hanzala from the right. Substitute Danish Masih went close twice as Pakistan created more chances in the second half.

Head coach Mohammed Essa said the experience was valuable for his young side.

“This is a learning experience for the team since it is the first time that a Pakistan side is playing in a UEFA competition,” Essa said in a statement released by the Pakistan Football Federation. “It was the first game for the team here and I think we did well after a tough first half.”

Captain Abdul Samad acknowledged the disappointment but struck a defiant tone.

“It wasn’t the result that we wanted,” Samad said. “But we will take our learnings from this match and come out stronger and better in the second match.”

Pakistan in the event next face Russia on Monday.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026