Pakistan’s maiden campaign in a FIFA competition concluded with a spirited 4-2 defeat against Vietnam in their final Division I Group ‘B’ match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup on Friday. Despite exiting the tournament with a single point, Nolberto Solano’s side demonstrated resilience and the capacity to compete against opponents ranked 99 places above them.
Pakistan seized control in the first half, dominating possession and creating early opportunities through Ali Akbar Khan, Shayek Dost, and Abdul Samad Shahzad. The breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute when Mohibullah capitalized on sharp pressing to dispossess the Vietnamese centre-back and calmly slide the ball under goalkeeper Patrik Giang Le, giving Pakistan a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.
However, Vietnam mounted a strong tactical response after the interval. Long Hai Nguyen leveled the score in the 50th minute before Duc Hoang Nguyen put Vietnam ahead just seven minutes later. Bac Dinh Nguyen extended the lead to 3-1 in the 80th minute following a long ball.
Though veteran Kaleemullah Khan kept Pakistan’s hopes alive by turning in a shot through a crowded box from Ali Akbar in the 88th minute, Hoang Minh Williams sealed the fixture for Vietnam with a late fourth goal. The result secures second place in the group for Vietnam behind Thailand, with the Philippines finishing third.
Source: geo.tv
Mohsin is a Founder & Chief Editor of footballer.pk