Karachi: Pakistan Football Team will get a cash award of Rs5 million after their 2-0 win against India in Bangalore on Wednesday.
Federation (PFF) president Faisal Saleh Hayat announced Pakistan's victory, secured by goals from Dordoi Bishkek duo Kaleemullah and Saddam Hussain, helped them level the two-game series 1-1 after the Greenshirts lost the opener 1-0 on Sunday.
“Pakistan versus India in any form of the game has been a source of great inspiration for both nations,” said Hayat.“If we analyse the current football series, we can conclude that this is significantly vital because of its impact on the development of football in both countries due to a tradition of competitiveness.”
It was a view echoed by Pakistan's head of delegation for the Indian tour, Sardar Naveed Haider Khan. “It has been a fantastic tour for the team,” Sardar Naveed told Dawn from Bangalore after the match.
“We're extremely thankful to the All-India Football Association (AIFF) and the Karnataka Football Association for the wonderful arrangements they made for the team.”
Sardar Naveed added that the players performed to the best of their abilities on Wednesday. “We were unlucky to lose [the first game] but the boys played brilliantly despite the defeat on Sunday,” he said.
“Playing on an artificial turf [at the Karnataka Football Association stadium] was difficult for them but they managed to cope well.” The series was the first between the two countries in almost a decade.
“The players played brilliantly,” Lutfi told Dawn from Islamabad. “Hopefully their performances would've caught the eye of some of the ISL franchises and if a few of them get to play there, it would be a good beginning for Pakistan football.”
Lutfi added that the win would boost the confidence of the team heading towards the Asian Games, slated to start in the South Korean city of Incheon from September 19.
“It's a wonderful victory for the team and if the players keep up their confidence, we can expect a good show from the team at the Games,” he added. Meanwhile former Pakistan assistant coach Nasir Ismail believes that if the key members of the squad stay injury-free, they can do well in South Korea.
“At times, the team seemed to be over-reliant on Kaleem upfront and the finishing needs to improve,” Nasir told Dawn from Lahore. “Nevertheless, the result is a huge boost for the team ahead of the Asian Games and seems to be in good shape and rhythm.
“If the key players don't get injured and keep getting good exposure, we can expect good results in the future.”
The Pakistan team will leave for Bahrain where they play the hosts' Olympic team and a few friendlies against local clubs as preparation for the Asian Games.
