Kuwait victory eliminates Pakistan from SAFF Championship

Lahore: In a disappointing turn of events, the Pakistani national football team faced a crushing defeat at the hands of Kuwait during their second match in the SAFF Championship 2023 in Bengaluru. Following a previous loss to India, the Green Shirts were expected to put up a stronger fight against Kuwait. However, Kuwait’s skillful gameplay led them to a convincing 4-0 victory, eliminating Pakistan from the tournament and securing their spot in the semi-finals.

This triumph marked Kuwait’s second consecutive win, highlighting their dominance and determination in the competition. On the other hand, Pakistan suffered their second successive defeat, and their final Group A match against Nepal on June 27 will now serve as a mere formality.

Meanwhile, in another Group A match, hosts India secured a 2-0 victory over Nepal, guaranteeing their place in the semi-finals with two consecutive wins.

From the start, Kuwait exhibited exceptional expertise and employed a strategic approach, keeping Pakistan on their toes throughout the match. In the tenth minute, Hasan Alanezi capitalized on a pass from Mobarak Alfaneeni to give Kuwait an early lead. Just seven minutes later, Mobarak Alfaneeni received a through pass from Ali Matar and confidently struck the ball into the top left corner, doubling his team’s advantage. Shortly before halftime, Al Faneeni added to Pakistan’s misery by completing his brace with a smart assist from Al-Rashidi. With a 3-0 lead at halftime, Kuwait held a commanding position.

Even in the second half, Kuwait maintained relentless pressure on the disorganized Pakistani defense, launching attacks from both flanks with ease. In the 69th minute, Eid Al-Rashidi sealed the resounding victory for Kuwait with a remarkable solo effort, further solidifying their position as invitees in the region’s prestigious South Asian tournament.

Former Pakistan assistant coach, Nasir Ismail, expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, emphasizing their lack of defensive organization against a superior opponent. He attributed the loss to poor midfield display and players resorting to individualistic play. Nasir also criticized the decision to field goalkeeper Yousuf Butt and Hassan Bashir, suggesting that giving full playing time to Waheed would have been more beneficial.

Mohammad Essa, former captain of the Pakistan football team, shared his disappointment with the team’s below-par performance. He criticized the coach for not prioritizing merit in team selection, resulting in the costly defeat that eliminated Pakistan from the tournament. Essa emphasized the need to focus on developing football in the country by providing deserving players with opportunities rather than conducting further experiments.

As Pakistan’s journey in the SAFF Championship comes to an end, it serves as a reminder of the importance of strategic planning, cohesive teamwork, and the selection of players based on merit to achieve success in international competitions. The defeat against Kuwait provides valuable lessons that can contribute to the future development of football in Pakistan.