Islamabad (GNP): Pakistan produced another stunning attacking display at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026, sweeping aside the Cook Islands in a seven-goal performance packed with spectacular strikes and individual brilliance.
Ilhan got Pakistan off to a flying start in the second minute, controlling the ball in midfield before embarking on a solo run and slotting it into the bottom-right corner. The Cook Islands equalised a minute later with a header from a free-kick, but Pakistan quickly regained the lead.
In the 11th minute, Alam unleashed a thunderous long-range strike to put Pakistan back in front. Shiraz then delivered a superb first-time diagonal pass from the left in the 12th minute, allowing Kaleemullah to finish the move and extend Pakistan’s advantage.
Kaleemullah added another in the 15th minute with a dazzling solo counterattack, finishing with a left-footed strike into the top corner.
Pakistan continued to find the net in the second half. Danish Masih scored in the 27th minute after receiving a pass from the centre circle, turning sharply at the edge of the box and placing the ball into the bottom-left corner.
Bakshi added another in the 37th minute, finishing into the bottom corner after a well-worked move down the left. Zain-ul-Abideen rounded off the scoring in the 39th minute with a mazy solo run before firing past the diving goalkeeper.
Also read: England Secure Consolation Win as Rathnayake’s Century Goes in Vain
The seven-goal performance showcased the Shaheens’ attacking firepower, with Pakistan finding the net through a blend of long-range strikes, incisive passing and outstanding individual efforts.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
