Kuwait prevail 2-0 over Pakistan in AFC U16 qualifier

The 2012 AFC U16 Championship qualifiers Group B game at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium in Kuwait City saw hosts Kuwait overcome a brave Pakistan side 2-0 today, 14 Sept 2011.

Kuwait U16 took an early lead after 8 minutes played through striker Bandar Bourslee forcing Pakistan U16 to chase the game. The proactive and ambitious attacks by Pakistan shook Kuwait by surprise as a combination of good all-round play in attack and defense saw Kuwait suddenly on the backfoot. Pakistan came close a few times with some quick counterattacks but failed to find the back of the net with the Kuwaiti defence in panic. Kuwait did force Pak defence and goalkeeper Usman Khan to deny them another goal but

The hosts managed to maintain their 1-0 lead through out a rather entertaining first half with end-to-end football by both sides. In 2nd half, Kuwait’s change of tactics and tempo made them put Pakistan on the back foot as they retained ball possession and pushed the Pakistani midfield and defence time and again. Kuwait’s second goal through midfielder Abdulaziz Haidar was not unexpected as their 2-0 lead in 51th minute shook Pakistan’s confidence and focus.

The Pak midfield failed to support lone striker Mansoor Khan up front as Pakistan failed to test Kuwait in 2nd half as much as they did in previous one.

Kuwait came close to scoring a few times only for Pakistani defence and goalie denying them time and again. With minutes left before the end, Pakistan did manage to come close but Kuwaiti goalie pulled off a superb save from a Mansoor freekick as Kuwait eventually held on for a 2-0 win.

In the other Group B game, UAE U16 were held to a 1-1 draw by surprise package Afghanistan U16 as both teams shared the spoils at the end. Kuwait now top Group B with 4 points while Pakistan are 2nd with 3 points after two games. Pakistan now face another challenge in UAE on Saturday, 17 Sept at Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium with 1830 Kuwait Time (2030 PST) kick off.

AFC U16 CHAMPIONSHIP 2012 MATCH SUMMARY

G = Goal, Y = Yellow Card, R = Red Card, S = Substitutes
PS = Penalty Shootout Made, PS- = Penalty Shootout Missed, PK = Penalty Kick, OG = Own Goal

Match Commissioner Signature : _________________________________

Note : This is not an official document unless signed by the Match Commissioner.