SBT Kerala held Pakistan XI

Kannur, Kerala Apr 9 (UNI) SBT Kerala held Pakistan XI to a goalless draw in the second day league match of the Nayanar Memorial Gold Cup International Football tournament here today.

In the first half, SBT locked horns with Pakistan XI. In the 15th minute SBT got three corners, but could not convert them due to poor finishing. In the 25th minute Noushad's 20 yard pile driver sailed over the bar. Strikers Essamuhammad, Shahid Ahmed and Aheel Ahmed made valiant attempts with array of defence-splitting passes for the Pak team, but their efforts went in vain.

Pak team adopted the 4-4-2 pattern while SBT followed the 4-2-4 format.

In the second half Pak swung into the attack right from the word go with Fazal Rehman replacing Asif but he missed a sitter in the 55th minute. Essa's free kick was, however, well saved by SBT custodian Harshal Rehman in the 60th minute. Torrid pounding was witnessed from Mehamood Khan and Shahid Ahmed time and again, but SBT's defence functioned like a well-oiled machine and prevented the opponents from scoring.

Abdul Basheer of SBT lost a god-sent opportunity in the 70th minute from a corner kick and Fazal Rehman's header in the 80th minute was saved by Pak goalkeeper Syed Sultan Ali.

UNI