Fighting Pakistan go down to Côte d’Ivoire, finish 3rd in FIFA Series

Abidjan, Ivory Coast: Pakistan showed immense grit and determination against much higher-ranked Côte d’Ivoire but ultimately ended with a 2-0 loss as they concluded their FIFA Series campaign at the Alassane Outtara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday.

The loss meant that Pakistan, who had beaten Turks and Caicos 8-0 for a record triumph before losing 1-0 to Mauritania, ended third in the table but there were positives aplenty as Adeel Rizki’s side showed defensive composure — even when down to 10 players — against a side 72 places higher than them in the FIFA rankings.

Pakistan had kept Côte d’Ivoire, who had put eight past Mauritania and 15 past the Turks and Caicos, at bay for the first half an hour, the defence marshalled superbly by Kayla Siddiqi and Isra Khan reducing the hosts to shots from distance.

Once they got into the box, goalkeeper Zeeyana Jivraj stood tall while full-backs Anmol Hira and Karissa Jivraj cut off the crosses.

The Ivorians finally broke through in the 39th minute when Ami Diallo headed in after several ricochets from a corner.

Buoyed by the opening goal, the hosts came again at Pakistan with Isra producing an excellent goalline clearance.

Côte d’Ivoire kept coming but Pakistan’s defence held firm until the 69th when Habibou Oudraogo headed in from a corner.

Minutes later Pakistan were reduced to 10 players when Anmol handled the ball on the goalline and was shown a straight red. Zeeyana however made a superb save to deny Bernadette Amani from the spot.

Zeeyana was at it again, denying another goal in the 83rd with her outstretched left foot and then dived to her right to stop a free-kick in an immense contribution for her side.

Adeel Rizki post-match stated, “We were up against a tough opponent so it was key that we kept our shape and discipline. Overall it was a very satisfying performance from the team to hold them to just two goals. These games are a learning curve for us and the more we play against such opponents, the more we will get better.”

At the end, Pakistan finish 3rd in the FIFA Series with 3 points from 3 games. Mauritania finished 2nd with 6 points after beating Turks & Caicos Islands, who finished 4th with 0 points.