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Pakistan mourned the death of the country's former football captain Abdul Ghafoor. He had been likened to Brazilian legend Pele because of their similar looks and style of play. Ghafoor, who died after a prolonged illness at the age of 71, had led Pakistan's football team for four consecutive years in the 1960s when the country was among the best in Asia and claimed scalps, including the United Arab Emirates and China, reports the Daily Times. He played for the Dhaka Mohammedan Club in former East Pakistan, but also turned down offers to play for teams in countries, including India, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. His family said Ghafoor always wanted to meet Pele, regarded by many as the best player of all time, but could not do so due to lack of finances. Ghafoor, who suffered a brain haemorrhage five years ago, had lamented Pakistan's deterioration at the international level. With no government funding, a lack of talent, and the predominance of cricket, Pakistan currently languishes 177th in the FIFA world rankings.

Death of Pakistan's 'Pele' mourned