Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Pakistan’s dream start to the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers hit its first major bump on Wednesday, as a spirited Laos side handed them a 2–1 defeat in Group B at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium. The loss snapped Pakistan’s two-match winning streak and leaves their qualification hopes hanging by a thread ahead of a do-or-die clash with Yemen.
Laos struck early, capitalising on a lapse in Pakistan’s marking. In the 9th minute, Palindeth Phettakounh ghosted to the far post and nodded in Anoulak Singsavang’s curling corner, simple finish Pakistan will regret conceding.
To their credit, Pakistan responded with composure. They dominated possession, stretched Laos wide, and pushed for gaps that stubbornly refused to appear. Their persistence finally paid off seconds before halftime: Abdul Samad swung in a teasing inswinger from the left, and Muhammad Abdullah rose above everyone to bury a towering header.
Pakistan nearly turned the match around in the 58th minute when confusion in the Laos box gifted Abdullah a half-chance, but his lob drifted just wide of the far post. The miss would prove costly.
Laos regained control in the 72nd minute after Nadeem Hussain’s challenge brought down Sitthilath Chantamaly inside the box. Odin Siphanit calmly dispatched the resulting penalty, restoring Laos’ lead and their grip on top spot with a perfect three wins from three.
Pakistan threw numbers forward in the dying minutes, but Laos held firm, leaving the Green Shirts with a narrow defeat and an even narrower margin for error in the qualification race.
Elsewhere in Group B, Yemen continued their blistering form with a 3–0 victory over Cambodia, while hosts Kyrgyzstan demolished Guam 9–0 to collect their first points.
Pakistan face Yemen on 28 November at Dostuk Arena, a fixture that now carries full knockout weight.
Earlier Wins Put Pakistan in Promising Position
Pakistan 3–1 Kyrgyzstan — November 24
Before the setback against Laos, Pakistan had stunned group hosts Kyrgyzstan with a mature 3–1 win that showcased grit, opportunism, and a little good fortune.
A shaky moment from Kyrgyz goalkeeper Daniel Kuluev gifted Pakistan their opener in the 9th minute, as Muhammad Mustafa’s routine shot slipped through his gloves and trickled over the line. Pakistan doubled their lead in the 23rd, again benefitting from poor defending — Kuluev charged out to head clear, but only found Abdul Samad, who expertly volleyed into an empty net.
Goalkeeper Samar Razzaq delivered a standout performance, making pivotal stops including a superb fingertip save onto the bar to deny Ulukbek Ishenbaev.
Kyrgyzstan finally pulled one back in the 65th minute via Ishenbaev, but Pakistan weathered the pressure and sealed the game late when Muhammad Abdullah released Muhammad Essa, who smashed home emphatically in the 83rd minute.
Yemen also battered Guam 10–0 that day, while Laos put on a show of their own with a 5–1 win over Cambodia.
Pakistan 3–1 Cambodia — November 22
Pakistan opened their campaign in style with a commanding 3–1 victory over Cambodia.
After a cagey first half-hour, the match lit up when Abdul Samad danced past his marker on the left and squared for Abdullah, who tapped in the opener. Cambodia equalised shortly after through a Pimakrav Pov penalty, but Pakistan shifted gears after the break.
Captain Abdul Samad made it 2–1 with a well-timed back-post header in the 71st minute, and Hamza Yasir put the result beyond doubt with a sensational stoppage-time volley that rocketed into the top corner — one of the goals of the qualifiers so far.
What Comes Next
Pakistan’s path to the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup now depends on their showdown with Yemen, a team in frightening form with three wins, 15 goals scored, and none conceded. A win keeps Pakistan alive. Anything less, and the early promise of their campaign may slip away. Kickoff: 28 November — Dostuk Arena, Besh-Kungei
About the author: Mohsin Rasheed is the founder & chief editor of Footballer.pk, Pakistan’s leading football media platform. He oversees editorial content and regularly contributes match reports, player profiles, and tactical features. You can reach him at [email protected]. For official queries please write us at [email protected]