Stat provided by the Maldivian broadcaster, so I guess that's as official as it gets here. 76% possession in the first match, 78% in the second. To sum up our dominance in the first match which ended in a draw, we completed 550 passes compared to Pakistan's meagre 75. They also managed only one shot on target, which was the goal they bundled in from a corner kick in the 7th minute of stoppage time. I don't expect them to get results against of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan by performing like that, which is a shame as I want to see as many SAFF nations qualify for the AFC Challenge Cup.
Their attack should be much stronger because they have just signed balal arezou and sunil chhetri on loan.
Tajikistan start preparations for AFC Challenge Cup on March 3 http://www.fft.tj/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1947
Official fact, the only 2 players that did not attend was Zesh Rehman and Adnan which are good players for Pakistan... (I assume thats why some poeple are saying it was a B team).. however it was a strong side..
Someone on the Indian Football Forum who follows Pakistan closely said that Pakistan were missing a few other players. 1 American based due to the snow storm that hit the East Coast last week.
Apart from Rehman and Adnan, I don't think the foreign-based Pakistani contingent are any better than the local lads. I was trying to discern them during their matches in Maldives, but they were totally unnoticeable until the commentator mentioned them. I remember their forward, Qureishi I think his name was, who played in the last SAFF Championship. Apparently he plays for a semi-professional English club, but looked completely out of depth at the tournament.
I don't think they had Muhammad Ali for the friendlies either. But anyway, speaking of foreign based players that are out of their depth, looks like Bangladesh are also trying to find some of their own. They supposedly conducted trials in London to find potential talent for their national team.
Your kidding. Amateurs? Does Bangladesh take football seriously or do they believe in the fast-track?
Perhaps mostly amateurs, maybe with the odd semi-pro player. Who knows if any will even be deemed good enough by their coach. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-21456734
Pakistan is planning to invite Afghanistan for a couple games as preparation for the qualifiers. http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-10-160320-Maldives-blank-Pakistan-3-0-to-win-series
Interesting and critical (?) interview with NT coach on Tajikistan FA website http://www.fft.tj/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1957 (use google translate)
I dont think this will happen unless the game is played in Dubai. Afghanistan has a 7-10 day training camp prior to leaving for Laos, I dont think there is any room to stop over in Pakistan to play not one but a couple of games..
Turkmenistan 1-1 FC Volyn Lutsk (currently 7th in Ukrainian Premier League) (Friendly Match, 18.02.2013, Lara – Antalya – Turkey) Goals: Ovonikoko O. 82ꞌ (0-1); Jumanazarov Akmyrat 89ꞌ (1-1). Turkmenistan start list: Alyhanov Rahmanberdi (Gorbunov Nikita 46ꞌ), Hojaahmedov Bahtyyar; Soyunov Shohrat; Jumanazarov Akmyrat; Annaorazov Serdar; Amanov Arslanmyrat (Bayramov Dovlet 65ꞌ); Abylov Guvanch (Batyrov Gurbangeldi 46ꞌ); Atayev Ahmet; Sarkisov David (Jumanazarov Parahat 44ꞌ); Shamuradov Berdy (Muhadov Suleyman 46ꞌ); Bayramov Vladimir (Chonkayev Gahrymanberdi 46ꞌ). P.S. Sarkisov David 44ꞌ - red card! - See more at: http://ertir.com/index.php?q=blog&view=51292#sthash.WGq8LFNG.dpuf All players are from domestic Yokary Liga. http://football.ua/ukraine/news/194418.html
Turkmenistan seem strong, and I hope they are rewarded to play against better opposition.. leave Challenge Cup nations and play Asian Cup qualifiers.
The Northern Mariana Islands take on Japan Soccer College (Japanese 4th tier) at home this Friday (22nd) before leaving for Nepal the following morning. En route they stop off in the Philippines and will play Loyola Meralco Sparks from the UFL on the Saturday (23rd) afternoon. A tiring few days but they they will spend a week acclimatising in Kathmandu ahead of their opener against the hosts.
Afghanistan team for the Challenge Cup http://footballafghanistan.com/afghanistan-announce-squad-for-2014-challenge-cup-qualifiers/
Sri Lanka's squad for the qualifiers with mainly U-23 players. Also says they'll be in Thailand from 22-27 Feb. for two friendlies before going to Laos. http://cricturf.com/football/5737-s...quad-to-play-in-afc-challenge-qualifiers.html
Official NMI Men's National Team Officials: Team Manager: Norman del Rosario Head Coach: Luam Khen Koo Asst. Coach: Chi Ming Tang Players: • Johann Noetzel • Yukiomi Adachi • Michael Barry • Nick Swaim • Lucas Knecht • William Dunn III • Evan Hunsberger • Dae Won Jeon • Peter Loken • Joe Miller • Chris Nelson • Dan Westphal • Steve McKagan • Tim Tawanpiy • Jireh Yobech • Ruselle Zapanta • Sean Perez • Raphael Zapanta • Jake Tiger Lee • Jehn Joyner There are five players who are based outside NMI and they are, Yukiomo Adachi (Japanese/Filipino), Michael Barry, Nick Swaim, Lucas Knecht and Dae Won Jeon. The four players except Yukiomo (Japan) are based in the US Mainland. Our team will be headed by former FC Dallas first round draft pick and former EPL's Aston Villa, Johann Noetzel
in Antalya, Turkey 20.2 Turkmenistan 1-1* Universitatea Cluj (currently 16th in Romanian top-level Liga I) *not confirmed 24.2 Turkmenistan - FC Gazovik Orenburg (currently 1st in Russian Urals-Volga Second Division (3rd-level) )