Phnom Penh: Pakistan endured a punishing start to their AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers on Wednesday, suffering an 8-1 defeat to Iraq at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh.
The Green Shirts’ campaign unraveled early when defender Mohibullah Afridi was shown a red card in the 30th minute for a foul inside the box. Iraq made no mistake from the penalty spot as Amoori Faisal coolly converted to hand the former champions a 1-0 lead.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Pakistan held firm until the break. But Iraq’s class and firepower soon took over after halftime. Ali Jasim, the standout of the night, struck in the 47th minute before completing a clinical hat-trick with goals in the 66th and 72nd minutes.
Pakistan’s only consolation came midway through the second half when forward McKeal Abdullah confidently dispatched a penalty in the 61st minute, briefly cutting the deficit to 2-1. However, Iraq responded with ruthless efficiency, netting six more goals as Pakistan faltered with nine men after captain Haseeb Khan was stretchered off injured with all substitutions already used.
Ahmed Ayyed Al-Aridhee bagged a brace, while Dhulfiqar Younnus Al-Imari and Ali Sadeq Shaheen also found the net as Iraq showcased their attacking depth.
The emphatic victory lifted Iraq to the top of Group G on goal difference after Cambodia and Oman played out a goalless stalemate in the day’s later fixture. Pakistan, bottom of the group, now face hosts Cambodia on September 6 before meeting Chinese Taipei on September 9.
Head coach Gonzalo “Solano” praised his squad in his address during prematch conference:
“It’s an honour to be here with the Pakistan team. We are playing against strong national teams like Iraq, Cambodia and Oman. The boys have been working really hard. We all believe, we all have a dream. It won’t be easy, but we are ready for the challenge.”
Skipper Haseeb Khan, speaking before the clash, had also voiced his belief in the young squad:
“We are a young and fresh team with good talent. I believe in my teammates. Iraq is a very respectable opponent, just like the others in our group. I’m excited and looking forward to a great game.”
For Pakistan, the heavy defeat underlines the scale of the challenge in competing at this level. With only group winners and four best runners-up advancing to the final tournament in Saudi Arabia next year, the Green Shirts must regroup quickly if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Pakistan Squad – AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Adam Najeeb, Hassan Ali, Umair Arooj
Defenders: Haseeb Khan, Mohib Ullah, Muhammad Adeel, Ans Amin, Muhammad Haroon, Hamza Munir, Ahmed Salman, Junaid Shah, Abdul Rehman
Midfielders: Tufail Khan, Hayyaan Khattak, Muhammad Junaid, Ali Zafar, Adnan Justin
Forwards: Mckeal Abdullah, Umair Bahader, Furqan Umer, Ali Raza, Suleman Ali, Adeel Younas