Pakistan pulled off a surprise 2-0 win over India on Wednesday, with a late goal from Saddam Hussain ensuring them a share of the spoils in the first soccer series between the archrivals for almost a decade.
Pakistan captain Kaleemullah put his side ahead in the 38th minute and a scrambled shot by Hussain in the 89th minute silenced the 5,000 spectators at the Bangalore Football Stadium in India’s Karnataka State.
The home fans had been hoping for more of the same after India won the first match on Sunday 1-0, at the start of the first series between the South Asian neighbors since India toured Pakistan in 2005.
India suspended all sporting ties with Pakistan after the deadly 2008 attacks on Mumbai, which New Delhi blamed on militants from across the border. However the two have played each other in a variety of sports over the past few years.
India came close to opening the scoring when a dipping long-range effort by skipper Sunil Chhetri was palmed away by Pakistan goalkeeper Muzamil Husain. Chhetri set up debutant Haokip Thonhkosiem to score in the 37th, only to see his attempt saved by Husain. Francis Fernandes then wasted a golden chance to score off the rebound.
A minute later, Pakistan went ahead when Kaleemullah swept home a free-kick after being brought down by India midfielder Lalrindika Ralte just outside the box.
India swarmed forward in the second half in an increasingly desperate bid to find an equalizer, but could not breach a determined Pakistan defense.
Their hopes were finally extinguished when Hussain poked the ball home after a solo run into the India penalty box.
The players hugged and shook hands on the final whistle before the Pakistan players took a victory lap, waving their national flag.
India are 150th in FIFA’s world rankings and Pakistan are 164th.
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