ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, on Monday, qualified for the final of the Street Child World Cup 2018 in Russia, reported a local English daily.
Making history, the Pakistani team beat Indonesia 5-4 on penalties to secure their place in the final, where they will face Uzbekistan for the trophy.
The match remained a goalless draw when the final whistle blew. In the penalty shoot-out, both teams managed to score four goals. But in additional penalties, Indonesia missed the target, conceding a goal to Pakistan, reported Geo News.
“We are happy that we have qualified for the final. Insha’Allah we will keep Pakistan’s flag high in the final as well,” said captain Mohammad Abdullah from Moscow. “The boys are highly motivated,” he added.
Head coach of the Muslim Hands Pakistan Street Child team, Abdur Rasheed said: “I request everyone in Pakistan to pray for our success.”
“Insha’Allah, if the boys play according to their abilities then we will gift victory to the nation.”
According to official statistics, some 55,000 registered orphans participate in the Street Child World Cup. Traditionally, the tournament is held in the country hosting the World Cup, a month before the event, to highlight the global social issue of youth homelessness. Since its launch in South Africa in 2010, the tournament has traveled to Brazil and now to Russia.
Pakistan face Uzbekistan in Street Child World Cup 2018 final in Russia
Pakistan face Uzbekistan in Street Child World Cup 2018 final in Russia
- The Pakistani team overcame Indonesia 5-4 on penalties to secure their place in the final
