Pak beat India to level soccer series

Lahore:

Pakistan put up a memorable performance to defeat India 3-0 in the third and final football match on Saturday to end the series 1-all. Mohammad Essa, who had denied India victory in the series opener in Quetta, struck for the home side as early as the third minute. Former captain Tanveer Ahmed put the icing on an excellent first half when he tapped the ball into the net in the 44th minute. Sensational start Pakistan then made a sensational start to the second half when Arif Mahmood scored in the 15th second after the break. Though the home team continued to mount the pressure on the Indians in the remaining time, they failed to earn any more goals. The victory gave Pakistan their third ever win over the traditional rivals in nearly 57 years. It also helped them share the trophy and cash award of Rs 2,00,000 besides pocketing the cash incentive of Rs 5,00,000 that was announced by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Faisal Saleh Hayat. The first match at Quetta had ended in a 1-1 draw while India had gone in front with a 1-0 victory in Peshawar. Pakistan, ranked 175 and 30 places below the Indians, played more purposeful and combined football. (PTI)