Pakistan hit back with 3-0 win over Maldives to revive semi-final hopes

 
Pakistan produced a clinical response to their opening-day defeat, beating the Maldives 3-0 at the National Stadium on Sunday to revive their SAFF Championship semi-final hopes. 

McKeal Abdullah struck from the penalty spot before Najeeb Ullah Bettani scored twice, putting the contest beyond the Maldives inside the opening 23 minutes.

Abdullah broke the deadlock in the third minute, converting from the spot to give Pakistan an early foothold. The Maldives had barely recovered from that setback when Bettani doubled the advantage five minutes later. The forward struck again in the 23rd minute, completing a first-half hat-trick of goals for Pakistan and leaving the Maldives with a mountain to climb.

Having squandered a three-goal deficit against India in their opening fixture, Pakistan were determined not to let another commanding position slip. This time, they kept their opponents at bay and saw out the match without conceding.

The clean sheet will offer some relief to head coach Shahzad Anwar, whose side had been exposed by India's attacking movement and pace in the 3-2 defeat. Yet the defensive unit will face sterner examination against stronger opposition. A convincing scoreline has eased the pressure, but it does not necessarily mean all the cracks have been sealed.

The win puts Pakistan firmly back in the Group B qualification race, with three points from two matches. The Maldives, meanwhile, must regroup quickly before facing defending champions India on 11 November. With only three teams in the group and the top two advancing to the semi-finals, the margin for error is slender.