NEW DELHI: Kuwait delivered a resounding blow to Pakistan in their group match of the SAFF Championship football tournament, thrashing them 4-0 and securing a semifinal spot after India's win in the evening match. The match, held on Saturday, showcased Kuwait's absolute dominance over their opponents, leaving Pakistan with no answers on the field.
Having suffered a disappointing performance against India in their previous outing, Pakistan was hoping for an improved display. However, they were met with the relentless prowess of Kuwait, who showcased their superior skills throughout the match.
Kuwait had already secured a win in their first Group A encounter against Nepal, triumphing 3-1.
Building on their initial success, Kuwait started the goal rush early in the 10th minute. Hasan Alanezi capitalised on a perfectly placed cross from Mobarak Alfaneeni, giving Kuwait an early 1-0 lead.
Exploiting their opponents' vulnerabilities, Kuwait doubled their advantage just seven minutes later. Ali Matar swiftly snatched the ball from a Pakistani player, initiating a quick counter-attack. Matar's precise through pass found Alfaneeni inside the box, who confidently slammed the ball into the top left corner of the net, extending Kuwait's lead to 2-0.
Despite Pakistan's attempts to organise counter-attacks after conceding two goals, their lacklustre midfield proved to be a significant setback. The Pakistani players struggled to mark their Kuwaiti counterparts or retrieve possession from them, resulting in play predominantly restricted to their own half. Otis Khan, the industrious Pakistani player, fought to make an impact but found little support from the midfield.
Kuwait effectively sealed the fate of the match during injury time of the first half, netting their third goal. Alfaneeni, lurking near the box, was gifted the ball by a Pakistan defender, allowing him to scoop it effortlessly over custodian Yousuf Ijaz Butt.
The second half mirrored the previous session, as Kuwait continued their dominance over Pakistan without much resistance. Although Kuwait had a goal disallowed for offside in the 48th minute, they didn't let it dampen their spirits. In the 69th minute, Eid Alrashidi embarked on a solo run through the right flank, ultimately finding the back of the net and securing Kuwait's fourth goal.
Despite several attacks, Kuwait failed to score a fifth goal, but their commanding 4-0 victory cemented their superiority over Pakistan. With two consecutive heavy defeats, Pakistan's chances of progressing further in the tournament were virtually extinguished.
(With inputs from PTI)
