Our Web Desk
LAHORE: Pakistan’s men’s under-20 football team were shown exit doors after a 3-0 defeat to arch-rivals India in the SAFF Under-20 Championship in Maldives on Thursday.
Facing a more experienced Indian lineup, Pakistan entered their decisive Group B fixture needing a strong result but were dealt an early setback that shaped the course of the match. Head coach Shahzad Anwar opted for a cautious yet flexible 4-1-4-1 formation, aiming to assert control in midfield and crowd out India’s attacking lanes.
However, the plan was disrupted almost immediately. In just the second minute, a goalkeeping error gifted India the opener, with right forward Vishal Yadav capitalizing on the lapse to slot home from close range. The early goal stunned Pakistan but did not break their resolve.
Gradually, Pakistani settled into the game, pressing higher up the pitch and stringing together passages of controlled possession. By the end of the first half, although trailing 1-0, Pakistan appeared to have seized the momentum, unsettling India with disciplined pressing and quick transitions.
That pattern continued after the restart.
Pakistan tightened their grip in midfield, effectively stifling India’s attempts to build play. Their efforts nearly paid off in the 63rd minute when a handball inside the Indian penalty area sparked loud appeals. The referee, however, waved play on, a decision that proved pivotal.
Moments later, the match swung decisively in India’s favor.
Launching a swift counterattack against a stretched Pakistani shape, the ball fell kindly for forward Omang Dodum, who found himself unmarked as the Pakistani defense scrambled to recover. With the goalkeeper caught off his line, Dodum calmly headed into an empty net to double India’s lead.
At 2-0 down, Pakistan pushed forward in search of a lifeline, but India’s defense held firm, absorbing pressure and denying clear chances.
As the clock ticked down, Pakistan’s challenge faded further. In the 88th minute, a mistimed tackle inside the box conceded a penalty, allowing Dodum to step up and convert confidently for his second goal of the match, sealing a 3-0 victory.
The result was expected as Pakistan had fielded an inexperienced side as the nation has been facing big issues in their football growth because of a decade-long football conflict which destroyed the sport beyond repair.
Pakistan are struggling to find ground in international circuit. The authorities will need solid plan to lift the country’s football.
