Afganistan beat Pakistan 4-0

Thushan Jayasuriya

A superb display of football by Afghanistan team helped to outsmart Pakistan by four goals to nil in their “Holcim” SAFF Women’s Championship match played at Longden Place yesterday. Afghanistan opened scoring in the eighth minute of the match thanks to a goal by their center forward Shabnam. Pakistan is also fought hard to earn goals, but couldn’t succeed due to careless mistakes. Again in the 23rd minute, Shabnam booted another goal, making it 2-0 for Afghanistan at half time.

Though Pakistan strived hard, they couldn’t pose a threat to their opponents as the opponents had a powerful and defensive pack. Afghanistan continued their dominance in the second half too. In the 51st minute, Afghanistan’s skipper and right out Hailai Argharndival netted a goal. The Pakistani’s were helpless as they couldn’t score single through out the match.

A short while before the final whistle center forward Marjan booted another goal sealing the match 4-0 in favour of Afghanistan.

Earlier in the morning, Nepal trounced Maldives by five goals to nil. The first goal for the Nepalese was scored by right out Deepa Adikari in the 20th minute.Centre forward Anu Lama scored Nepal’s second goal. Centre middle forward Jamuna Gurung claimed three goals and made it a 5-0 victory for Nepal.

Today India will take on Bhutan at 8.30 am and Bangladesh will meet Sri Lanka at 3.30pm.