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LAHORE: Pakistan Under-16 football team had a disappointing start when they were demolished by Kazakhstan 4-1 in their opener of the UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament at the BIIK Sports Complex in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, on Saturday.
Kazakhstan opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Platon Shipstin struck from the spot. Kazakhstan kept pressure and doubled their lead through Anuar Tolendi in the 21st minute.
Kazakhstan’s captain David Zarechnyy made it 3-0 due to Pakistan’s defence blunder in the 30th minute before Daniyar Kassi landing another via header at the stroke of half time. This left the hosts leading 4-0.
Pakistan regrouped in the second half and reduced the deficit through Abdul Samad who capitalized on a cross from Mohammad Hanzala.
Despite the loss Pakistan head coach Mohammad Essa termed it a better experience for his charges at this highest level.
“This is a learning experience for the team since it is the first time that Pakistan is playing in a UEFA competition,” Essa said.
“It was the first game for the team here and I think we did well after a tough first half,” said Essa, also a former Pakistan captain.
“It wasn’t the result that we wanted,” said Samad. “But we will take our learnings from this match and come out stronger and better in the second match.”
Pakistan will now face Russia on Monday in their next show.
