The two sides playing at Abdul Sattar Edhi stadium, Karachi Saturday night. Photo: Geo News 

LAHORE: Residents of Lahore are waiting in anticipation to see ?Ronaldinho and friends? in action tonight.

Seven top footballers from around the world, including Brazilian legend Ronaldinho and Manchester United great Ryan Giggs, arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for two exhibition matches in Karachi and Lahore.

Brazilian hero Ronaldinho, former Manchester United stalwart Giggs, former England goalkeeper David James, Dutch star George Boateng, former French players Robert Pires and Nicolas Anelka and Portuguese player Luis Boa Morte are playing with a group of Pakistani footballers for two seven-a-side matches.

Team Ronaldinho beats Giggs-7 to take 1-0 series lead

The players reached Islamabad early Saturday morning via a private jet

On Saturday night, in the packed Abdul Sattar Edhi stadium, Ronaldinho?s side won against the Giggs-led team with a final score of two goals in favour with one against.

Today?s match, the second leg of the seven-a-side series between 'Ronaldinho-7' and 'Ryan Giggs-7', will be played at Fortress Stadium, Lahore Cantt.

Tight security arrangements have been put in place at the site of the venue, as well as the hotel where the international players will be lodged.

Sources said some players will leave Karachi in the afternoon while some left for Lahore early morning.

Officials said gates of the stadium will be opened at 2pm, adding that visitors are directed to bring along their CNICs with them.

The two sides

Pakistani football stars Mohammad Rasool, Mohammad Essa, Aziz, Razik, Mohammad Adil, Adnan, Mohammad Ali and Ahmed along with foreign players Nicolas Anelka, George Boateng and David James are in Giggs` team.

Meanwhile, Yousuf Butt, Saddam Hussain, Kaleemullah, Saadullah, Hassan Bashir, Riaz, Kamran along with Boa Morte, Robert Pires are in 'Ronaldinho-7'.