Saddam Hussain scores as Pakistan blank India in hot-tempered friendly
BANGALORE, India (AP) — A goal in each half gave Pakistan an impressive 2-0 win over India in the second of two friendlies yesterday to level the series.
Pakistan, who had lost the previous match 1-0 on Sunday, took the lead in the 39th minute when Kaleem Ullah scored from a free kick in the hot-tempered affair between the border nations. Saddam Hussain added Pakistan’s second in the 90th minute following a defence lapse to seal the game for the 165th-ranked side.
India, who are ranked 150th, failed to convert their chances as they tried new combinations upfront ahead of next month’s Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
Pakistan goalkeeper Muzammil Hussain made some fine saves, fisting off attempts by India captain Sunil Chhetri, Thongkhosiem Haokip and Francis Fernandes.
The series primarily featured under-23 players in preparation for the games.
