KARACHI: Pakistan Under-16 soccer captain Munir Aftab has said that beating arch-rivals India in the final of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-16 Championship in Kathmandu, Nepal was a dream come true for him and his colleagues.

“It is a dream come true for us because we played an inspired game and were justly rewarded by the Almighty,” he told reporters upon his return from Nepal after winning the first regional title.

“We were well motivated by the team officials and played according to a plan which brought us the win,” he said. “It is our gift to the nation on the eve of the Independence Day.”

Mohammad Zeeshan and Mansoor Khan were the Pakistan heroes as they slammed one goal each in famous triumph.

Munir credited the whole team for victory and was delighted to know that the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) had announced a big reward for the team.

He said the event was a rich experience for the boys and will help them in future games. He also expressed hope that this win will boost the game of soccer at the grassroots level and inspire the boys to take it up.

Earlier on arrival at Quaid-e-Azam International Airport, the team was welcomed by the officials of Sindh and Karachi Football Association and a large number of fans.—APP