RIYADH: Pakistan Captain Maria scored a stunning screamer on a free-kick from distance to help Pakistan equalise and draw its match against Saudi Arabia the other day.
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Hashim Khan would be so proud. ????????????????????????pic.twitter.com/xith8VJybN
— FootballPakistan.com (@FootballPak) January 19, 2023
At the Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium, Pakistan drew against Saudi Arabia in their last match of the tournament to finish second with four points.
Maria scored a free kick from a distance, which reminded many people of the free-kick scored by Ronaldinho in 2002 World Cup against England.
Pakistan were 1-0 down against the hosts, who finished as the winners of the event. But Maria’s goal made sure that Pakistan earned a point as finished as the runner-up.
Pakistani players were pumped after finishing as second placed team and chanted ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans after the win.
Pakistan women’s skipper Maria Khan gave an emotional speech after scoring a stunning goal against Saudi Arabia in the four-nation cup.
R E P R E S E N T ????????
Watch as captain Maria Jamila Khan delivers a speech that embodies the soul of women’s football in Pakistan!
The only way is up. PAKISTAN ZINDABAD! ❤️#PakistanFootball #DilSayFootball #WomensFootball pic.twitter.com/xgQ6Ko3RCF
— Pakistan Football Federation (@TheRealPFF) January 20, 2023
The Match: In the first half, Saudi Arabia took a 1-0 lead. The hosts won a free-kick inside their own half and it was put into Pakistan’s half, which was anticipated by Pakistan’s defender but Saudi number nine Albandari Mubarak was quick and sharp as she snatched a loose ball and ran into the box to place the ball into the right corner.
However, Pakistan equalised after a great fightback. Pakistan won a free kick in the 65th minute. Everyone in the box waited for a lofted cross from Pakistan skipper Maria Khan, but she fancied her chances from distance and opted for a shot at goal, which the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper couldn’t stop as it ended in the back of the net.
Earlier, Pakistan lost to Mauritius 2-1 in their second match of the tournament. Before that, they defeated Comoros by 1-0 in their opening encounter.
Pakistan finished above Mauritius in the points table, despite losing to them 2-1 in their second match.
