OSLO: Pakistan U15 football team, playing under the name of Better Future, narrowly missed out on clinching the Norway Cup 2024 U15 title after suffering a defeat in a penalty shootout against Norway’s KFUM-Kam Oslo Bla.
The final, held in Norway, ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw after 60 minutes of regulation time, but KFUM-Kam Oslo Bla emerged victorious in the shootout.
In the high-stakes match, Better Future Pakistan’s Shahbaz Ali and Salman scored to level the game at 2-2. Despite their efforts, the team was unable to convert a crucial penalty, allowing KFUM-Kam Oslo Bla to secure the championship with a decisive winning penalty.
Throughout the tournament, Better Future Pakistan showcased remarkable form, netting 35 goals and conceding only four in nine matches. Their performance highlighted their strong offensive and defensive capabilities, making their runner-up finish all the more commendable.
In another setback for Pakistani teams, the Pakistan Street Child Football Team, known as Muslim Hands FC, faced elimination from the Norway Cup U17 category after a penalty shootout loss in the semi-final against Forde IL.
The match, which saw Pakistan concede an early goal, ended 1-1 after the regular 60 minutes of play. Despite a determined comeback in the second half, Muslim Hands FC was unable to secure a spot in the final.
The penalty shootout saw Pakistan falter in converting one of their spot-kicks, while Forde IL successfully converted the decisive penalty, earning their place in the final. Muslim Hands FC, despite their exit, impressed throughout the tournament with 26 goals scored and only five conceded.
