Pakistan was crowned champion of the South Asian region as Mohammad Zeeshan and Mansoor Khan scored a goal each in either half to seal victory for the team. Daniel Lalhlimpuia netted for India. [break]
En route to the title, Pakistan played four matches scoring the highest 11 goals and conceding only one.
In the competitive final, Pakistan came up with a better show compared to the group stage match against India. Pakistan dominated the ball possession and made about half a dozen attempts on goal.
However, Pakistan had to wait until the 25th minute to open the scoring when Zeeshan beautifully sprinted with the ball and unleashed a powerful shot to stun a diving Indian goalie Supratim Bhattacharya, who made some brave saves during the match.
But India came back into the game with an eqaulizer in the stoppage time of first half when Lalhlimpuia scored from close range taking advantage of the inattentive and confused Pakistani defenders.
But the spirited Pakistani team restored its lead six minutes into the second half as Khan scored from close range. Zeeshan had set up Khan for the goal utilizing a corner off his teammate.
Pakistan also squandered a scoring chance early in the third minute when Ashfaq Ud Din missed in a one-on-one with the goalie. Ten minutes later, goalie Bhattacharya punched Sher Ali´s curling corner to safety when it was heading toward the net.
India, on the other hand, could make only a couple of attempts during the entire match. In the sixth minute Lalhlimpuia´s strike went out hitting the crossbar, and in the 58th minute Shahbaz Masih defended Lalhlimpuia´s close-range shot from the goalline.
India´s coach Thomas Joseph said, "The match was good but the boys failed to display their potential, especially the midfield failed to deliver," said Joseph, adding that the whole tournament had been a good experience and exposure for the young players. "The tournament at South Asian level is a good concept and will be helpful in preparing for the AFC U-16 Championship."
Box: Independence Day gift to Pakistanis
Pakistani team´s captain Muneer said he was waiting for August 14 to gift the trophy to Pakistani people. "I want to present this trophy to all the Pakistanis on the occasion of our independence day, which falls on August 14," said Muneer.
"The whole team is happy to win the title on the occasion of Ramjan and thanks Allah for gifting us this trophy," Muneer said, adding, "The coach´s planning was vital for the title victory."
Muslims observe fast from dawn to dusk during the holy month of Ramadan that began last week, but the Pakistani team members have not been fasting as they were busy in the tournament. "We will start fasting after reaching Pakistan," said Pakistan coach Sajjid Mehmood, who describes beating India twice in the tournament as a proud achievement.
According to the coach, attacking strategy was the main mantra behind his side´s victory. "I would like to thank the Nepali crowd for supporting us and also ANFA and SAFF for organizing this tournament. The victory is a great gift for Independence Day," Mehmood said.
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