In an attempt to revive the spirit of football in the country, the Pakistan football team has formally kicked off the second phase of its preparation for Asian Games and SAFF Cup in Bahrain.

Pakistan will be playing their first international match after a span of three years as the country faced a huge decline in the game as no international friendly or local competition was organized by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF).

The national team, after arriving in Bahrain on Wednesday, played its first practice match against local club Buddiya FC on Friday night.

Although Pakistan lost the match 2-1, it provided them the much-needed match practice and exposure ahead of next month’s Asian Games which will be followed by SAFF Cup. Pakistan’s only goal in the practice game was scored by Riaz.

Pakistan Football Federation is hopeful that under the new Brazilian head coach, José Antonio Nogueira, the team will do well in the upcoming tournaments.