Published by Dawn.com
KARACHI, April 26: The Pakistan U-14 football team moved a step closer towards qualification for the inaugural AFC U-14 Championship on Friday.
The youngsters took control of Group ‘D’ after hammering Kyrgyzstan 8-0 in their second match of the qualifiers at the Samen Al Aemeh Stadium in the Iranian city of Mashhad to consolidate their position at the top of the group after two matches.
After beating Turkmenistan 6-0 in their opening game on Wednesday, Pakistan showed no signs of losing their tempo as Mohammad Shahid and Majeed Khan both scored hat-tricks.
Shahid gave Pakistan the lead in the third minute before doubling it nine minutes later. Majeed made in 3-0 in the 22nd minute before his strike partner Shahid completed his hat-trick on the half-hour mark.
Majeed’s second followed barely a minute after Shahid scored and he completed his quick-fire treble in the 31st minute.
Goals by Salman and Saif Ali completed the rout.
Pakistan top the qualifying group, three points ahead of Iran, who have played just one game, and arch-rivals India.
Pakistan next face India on Sunday with a match against the hosts on Monday. The group winners advance to the finals scheduled to be held in Uzbekistan next year