Soccer: Pakistan slip to 160th spot

Published September 21, 2006

LAHORE, Sept 20: Pakistan have declined in football world rankings to 160 from 152 despite tall claims of improvement by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). According to the latest ranking issued by FIFA, Pakistan are bracketed with Andorra among 198 countries included in the world rankings.

The poor show in the ongoing Asia Cup qualifiers did the damage as Pakistan lost all the matches except a game against Bangladesh which ended in a goalless draw.

So far Pakistan have conceded 13 goals against one they scored in four matches.

Pakistan held Bangladesh to a draw in Dhaka on Dec 22 last year before winning 1-0 at home on Dec 26.

This year Pakistan lost to Jordan 3-0 at Amman on Feb 22. United Arab Emirates also thrashed Pakistan 4-1 in Karachi, while Oman registered overwhelming 5-0 win at home on Sept 6.

Pakistan, who recently defended the South Asian Games title by winning the final in Colombo last month, are well behind other countries of the region. India are ranked 136, while Sri Lanka 147 and Bangladesh 152.

Afghanistan are behind Pakistan at 175 and Bhutan at 189.

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