Bangkok, Thailand: The Pakistan men’s futsal team produced arguably their best match performance as they smashed Bangladesh 5-1. The Shaheens’ fifth game at the Nonthaburi Stadium was a spectacle to behold as Pakistan dominated from the go across both periods.
Pakistan dominated possession and chances, with Bangladesh forced to defend in numbers. However, Pakistan almost lost the plot when captain Muhammad Hassaan Zafar Khan was sent off in the 18th minute for a high boot to the face of Foayej Ahammed.
Being down to only 3 outfield players for at least the next 5 minutes or if a goal is scored sooner, Pakistan had to defend. Yet Bangladesh failed to utilise their man advantage, only for Ali Agha Hazara to give Pakistan the lead against the run of play when he combined well with Hamza Nusrat from a corner.
At the break Pakistan led 1-0 and soon back to 4 outfield players. They again dominated the chances and should have extended their lead across the 2nd period.
Zaid Ullah Khan finally made it 2-0 after 31 minutes when he pounced on a defensive howler from Kazi Ibrahim Ahamed and finished past Bangladesh goalkeeper Md Jahid Hasan Rabbi. Yet a few minutes later, Bangladesh pulled one back after a lapse of concentration by Pakistan allowed Fayed Azim to make it 2-1.
Yet Pakistan were not to be denied as Salar Ahmed Khan made it 3-1 just a minute later after a good run by Hamza Nusrat down the right. Zaid Ullah Khan then added his second from a very well taken attempt in the final minute of the game before Ali Agha, playing as extra man up front when replacing goalkeeper Muhammad Tahir Khan, ended it 5-1.
The result means Pakistan now has 10 points from 5 games with a +3 goal difference as they chase a podium finish. In other results, expected champions Maldives had to fight hard to beat Nepal 2-1 while India humbled Bhutan a resounding 11-3. Pakistan now face India in the last game of the men’s event on 26th January at 6:00pm PKT, with the winner likely to finish with a silver medal.
Tomorrow, at 12:00pm PKT, Pakistan women’s futsal team play for pride in their last game of the event against strong favourites Bangladesh.