Pakistan’s national football team returned to Lahore after a successful tour of India and Bahrain last month.
Pakistan’s key player Saddam Hussain, who was instrumental in the team’s performance against India in a two-match series at the Bangalore Stadium, said that the tour was not only helpful for preparations of the upcoming Asian Games, but it had also instilled confidence in the players.
Saddam, along with captain and striker Kaleemullah, ensured victory for Pakistan on a better goal-average in two matches.
Pakistan had lost their first match to India 1-0 on August 17, but they won their last encounter 2-0 to make an impact against their archrivals.
“We’re learning and improving,” said Saddam. “We also played and levelled a match against Bahrain’s top club Riffa FC. That alone was very encouraging for us.”
He added that despite minor injuries, the team’s spirits were high against Riffa FC.
“Kaleem played the second half despite a minor injury. That’s when we equalised the score. This was our aim for the tour, to play as a unit and make our coach [Mohamed Shamlan] proud.”
