ISLAMABAD: The National Street Child Football team of Pakistan continued their impressive performance at the Norway Cup, clinching their second consecutive victory with a commanding 5-0 win over the Norwegian club Wardenset. The match, held in Astor, showcased a dominant display by the Pakistani team, extending their winning streak in the tournament.
In the game against Wardenset, Pakistan’s team was relentless, scoring two goals in the first half and adding three more in the second half. Mohammad Kashif was a standout performer, netting twice, while Captain Muhammad Adeel, Muhammad Khan, and Shahid Anjum each contributed a goal. The victory follows their opening match win, where they defeated Astor Footballklubb 6-1.
In their first game of the Norway Cup, the Pakistani team demonstrated their prowess by overcoming Astor with a decisive scoreline. Although Astor took an early lead, Pakistan equalized swiftly, setting up a thrilling encounter. The second half saw Pakistan take charge, scoring five goals. Abdul Ghani led the charge with two goals, while Essa, Junaid, Awais, and Muhammad Khan each added one to secure a comprehensive win.
With two wins out of two matches, Pakistan has set a strong precedent for their upcoming games. The team, which finished as runners-up in the previous edition of the Norway Cup in 2023, is determined to go one step further and lift the title this year. In the 2023 tournament, Pakistan was narrowly defeated by Sola FK in the final after a dramatic penalty shootout, despite an undefeated run throughout the competition.
The current squad has shown exceptional form, including their unbeaten run in the 2022 Street Child World Cup in Doha, Qatar, where they finished as runners-up after losing the final to Egypt on penalties. Their consistent performance in international tournaments, including a third-place finish in Brazil in 2014 and runner-up positions in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022, highlights their growing strength and potential.
Pakistan Team’s Squad for Norway Cup 2024
Goalkeepers: Aryan, Adeel Ali Khan
Defenders: Asad Nasir, Ubaidullah, Mohammad Adeel, Hamza Gul
Midfielders: Mohammad Junaid, Mohammad Khan, Daniyal, Owais, Mohammad Osama
Forwards: Mohammad Kashif, Isa Khan, Shahid Anjum, Abdul Ghani
The team will face Oystese IL Oystese/Norheimsund in their final group match on Tuesday, with hopes high for a continued successful campaign.
