Kuwait beat Pakistan to virtually seal a semifinal spot in SAFF C’ships

Bengaluru: Kuwait thrashed Pakistan 4-0 in their second group match to virtually seal a semifinal spot in the SAFF Championships football here on Saturday.

Pakistan were hoping for an improved performance after a shoddy outing against India, but they had no answer to the absolute dominance of Kuwait. This was Kuwait’s second win of the tournament after they beat Nepal 3-1 in their first Group A match.

With their second heavy defeat on the trot, Pakistan were virtually of the tournament. Kuwait started the goal rush in the 10th minute itself. Hasan Alanezi was in a perfect position to convert a cross from Mobarak Alfaneeni to give Kuwait 1-0 up.

 Seven minutes later, Kuwait doubled the lead through Alfaneeni. Ali Matar snatched the ball from a Pakistan player to build a quick counter attack and found Alfaneeni inside the box with a through pass. Alfaneeni slammed the ball into the top left corner of the net as Kuwait went 2-0 up. (PTI)