BANDUNG (GNP): Pakistan’s men’s national football team played its first-ever FIFA ASEAN Cup match at Stadion Si Jalak Harupat in Bandung, Indonesia, going down 4-0 to Thailand in their Division 1 Group B opener.
Nolberto Solano’s side, facing opponents ranked 105 places higher in the FIFA standings, showed determination and courage but could not hold out. Teerasak Poeiphimai struck a hat-trick for Thailand, with Jude-Bell Soonsup adding the other goal. Pakistan must now regroup ahead of their next fixture against the Philippines.
For the opening half hour, Pakistan sat deep and defended in numbers. Mohibullah’s interception and a well-timed sliding tackle from Ali Raza stood out, and the team occasionally threatened on the break, including a move begun by a strong run from Ali Akbar that ended when Ali Uzair’s shot was blocked.
Thailand were largely limited to efforts from distance, and goalkeeper Yousuf Butt made a fine save around the 30-minute mark. He could do nothing moments later, however, when he stopped another attempt but Poeiphimai pounced on the rebound to give Thailand the lead.
Ten minutes after that, a misplaced pass from captain Abdullah Iqbal set up a rapid counter, and Soonsup finished from close range to make it 2-0. Thailand thought they had a third three minutes later, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Seeking a spark, Solano made three changes at the break, bringing on Shayek Dost, Hayyan Khattak, and Alamgir Ghazi for Ali Raza, Ali Agha, and Abdullah Shah. Pakistan looked more adventurous after the interval, with full-backs Mohammad Fazal and Haris Ali Zeb pushing higher up the pitch.
Also read: Pakistan Wins Two Bronze Medals in Squash at Asian Games
Thailand still extended their lead on the hour, when Poeiphimai hit a superb looping volley. Abdul Samad Arshad responded with a shot that went narrowly wide. Veteran Kaleemullah Khan was introduced, but Pakistan faded, and Poeiphimai completed his hat-trick six minutes from time, side-footing the ball in after confusion in the defence.
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.
