Pakistan's national football team experienced a devastating defeat in their latest encounter against Djibouti in the four-nation cup tournament. Djibouti, currently ranked 19th globally, emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline, significantly impacting Pakistan's prospects in the competition.
Djibouti Takes an Early Lead:
Djibouti quickly gained the upper hand as Dooualeh M. Elabeh scored in the 10th minute, putting Pakistan on the defensive from the start. Despite several chances to equalize, Pakistan failed to capitalize and find the back of the net.
Djibouti's lead is extended by Gabriel Dadzie:
Gabriel Dadzie of Djibouti, which is rated 193rd in the FIFA rankings, added another goal in the 73rd minute to give his team a comfortable 2-0 lead. Pakistan struggled to mount a successful counter-attack.
Hayat Mohammad Umar Provides a Glimmer of Hope:
Hayat Mohammad Umar's goal in the 84th minute provided a glimmer of hope for Pakistan as it narrowed the deficit to 2-1, instilling optimism among the team and its fans. Unfortunately, the hopes were short-lived as Samuel Akinbinu swiftly responded with another goal for Djibouti, extinguishing Pakistan's chances of a comeback.
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Djibouti Emerges Triumphant:
With their victory over Pakistan, Djibouti claimed the title in the four-nation cup tournament, leaving Pakistan in disappointment. Pakistan's team, unfortunately, failed to secure a single win throughout the tournament.
Rankings of Participating Teams:
Among the participating teams, Kenya held the highest ranking at 102, followed by Mauritius at 180. Djibouti stood at 193, while Pakistan found themselves as the lowest-ranked side at 195. The disparity in rankings reflected the challenging competition faced by Pakistan.
Pakistan Receives NOC for SAFF Championship:
In a relevant update, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has been granted a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, allowing the national men's team to participate in the highly anticipated SAFF Championship in India. This NOC serves as official approval, confirming the team's eligibility and involvement in the esteemed tournament.
Departure and Visa Applications:
The Pakistan team will depart for Bengaluru, India, on June 18 from Mauritius, as they prepare for the SAFF Championship, scheduled to be held from June 21 to July 4. Prior to their departure, Pakistan has already submitted visa applications to the Indian embassy in Mauritius, ensuring smooth travel arrangements.
Conclusion:
The defeat against Djibouti was undoubtedly a setback for Pakistan's national football team. However, with their participation secured in the upcoming SAFF Championship and the valuable lessons learned from the four-nation cup, the team now faces an opportunity for redemption. Pakistan will need to regroup, analyze their shortcomings, and strategize effectively to put forth a strong performance in the SAFF Championship against challenging opponents. The upcoming tournament provides a fresh chance for Pakistan to showcase their talent, determination, and resilience on the football field.
READ MORE: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1081625-pakistan-ends-four-nation-tournament-without-a-win
Pakistan's national football team experienced a devastating defeat in their latest encounter against Djibouti in the four-nation cup tournament. Djibouti, currently ranked 19th globally, emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline, significantly impacting Pakistan's prospects in the competition.
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