A gritty contest in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers saw Myanmar edge past Pakistan 1-0 in a game marked by intensity, defensive resilience, and flashes of brilliance – most notably from Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt. Despite a spirited second-half push from the Shaheens, Myanmar’s first-half goal proved decisive as they held on to clinch a vital win.

Minute-by-minute Report

Kick-off: Both teams enter the field under humid conditions, with Pakistan looking to build momentum under coach Stephen Constantine. Myanmar, meanwhile, field a technically sharp lineup, ready to exploit Pakistan’s occasional lapses in possession.

0’ Myanmar start brightly, advancing deep into Pakistan’s defensive third. Yousuf Butt is called into early action but calmly resumes play with a goal-kick.

2’ Sustained possession by Myanmar, who are dictating the early tempo.

3’ Myanmar’s No. 9 attempts a speculative long-range effort from near the halfway line – ambitious, but it sails comfortably over the bar.

6’ Danger signs for Pakistan. Myanmar apply high pressure, pinning Pakistan inside their own 18-yard box. The Shaheens’ defenders scramble to clear the threat.

7’ Myanmar’s passing is sharp and targeted, probing Pakistan’s flanks effectively.

9’ A rare forward push from Pakistan – Rahis Nabi wins a free-kick after being brought down. Fazal steps up but balloons it well over.

12’ Myanmar register their first shot on target. It’s tame and easily claimed by Yousuf Butt.

16’ Excellent clearance by Pakistan in the six-yard box under pressure – Myanmar are relentless in their attacking build-up.

19’ Rao Umer Hayat steps up to intercept a midfield move and disrupts Myanmar’s rhythm.

20’ Pakistan finally relieve some pressure by clearing their lines beyond the defensive third.

21’ Abdul Samad tries to push forward down the right but fails to beat his marker. Myanmar regain possession.

23’ Myanmar’s No. 7 lets fly from distance; it deflects wide for a corner. Yousuf Butt confidently collects the resulting set piece.

27’ Heroic defending! Pakistan’s No. 7 Waqar Baloch makes a crucial sliding clearance inside the six-yard box after Myanmar slice through with a well-constructed move. Unfortunately, the defender appears injured and is momentarily sidelined.

29’ Abdul Samad tries a speculative long-range effort – it’s wild and nowhere near troubling the keeper.

30’ A busy spell for Pakistan’s backline. Abdullah Iqbal and Alamgir Ghazi combine to cut out a threatening move before Yousuf Butt makes a smart save to deny Myanmar’s No. 11. Alamgir’s sliding tackle inside the box stands out.

34’ Pakistan enjoy a brief spell of possession but fail to organise the final third. Myanmar capitalize and create a golden chance – No. 8 misses from just outside the six-yard box.

41’ GOAL! Myanmar 1–0 Pakistan. A route-one move: Myanmar’s No. 7 launches a deep ball which is flicked on inside the box. After a deflection, the ball lands perfectly for a teammate to slot past Yousuf Butt. A soft goal to concede at a crucial time.

Half-time: Myanmar 1–0 Pakistan. A disciplined Myanmar side lead at the break, having dominated possession and created more clear-cut chances. Pakistan have shown glimpses of threat but lack end product.

Second Half

46’ Pakistan make an early change. The second half begins with renewed energy from the Shaheens.

47’ What an effort! Rahis Nabi attempts a bicycle kick from just outside the six-yard box – narrowly over! The closest Pakistan have come to scoring.

49’ Aaron Abdullah is introduced to bolster the midfield.

50’ Nabi is fouled – a yellow card for Myanmar. Harun Hamid takes the resulting free-kick, but Myanmar’s keeper is alert and collects.

53’ Fazal once again shows commitment, sliding in to block a dangerous set-piece delivery.

54’ Harun tries his luck from distance – comfortable for the keeper. Stephen Constantine is pacing the touchline anxiously.

56’ Yousuf Butt steps up to sweep behind his line and clear long – acting as a sweeper-keeper.

57’ Another excellent recovery tackle from Fazal just outside the box – crucial in halting a developing attack.

60’ Aaron Abdullah is fighting hard up top, pressing the Myanmar defenders in isolation.

62’ Fazal is everywhere – this time, intercepting near the touchline. A tireless display.

64’ Stunning reflex save from Yousuf Butt! He dives full stretch to tip away a shot destined for the bottom corner.

65’ Fazal again breaks from the left wing, plays it to Abdullah Iqbal, who back-passes. Pakistan pushing harder now.

66’ Substitutions from both sides. Ali Haider comes on for Pakistan. This is his debut for Pakistan (If i am not wrong).

69’ Myanmar nearly double their lead! A curling shot from the left just misses the far post.

71’ Defensive solidity: Fazal heads clear, followed by a key clearance by youngster Mohib Ullah. Deserved praise for the young defender.

72’ Myanmar break into the box. Yousuf Butt bravely charges off his line, making a risky but vital save. The rebound is blasted over.

74’ Fazal delivers a corner, Mohib heads it to Abdullah Iqbal – the header is just over. So close for Pakistan!

75’ Harun Hamid cuts in beautifully from the left but is intercepted before he can pull the trigger.

76’ Another corner from Harun, cleared by Myanmar. Mohib Ullah again showing grit at the back.

78’ Pakistan win a free-kick near the halfway line. Yousuf Butt steps up to take it and launches it long.

79’ Harun misjudges a loose ball in the box, Myanmar pounce and counter. Moments later, Omer Hayat attempts to reach a cross from Fazal but just misses the connection.

79’ Fazal played a low pass from the right side of the box toward Omer Hayat, who slid in but narrowly missed the connection.
It could have been a certain goal had Omer managed to get a shot on target.

81’ Myanmar attempt a long-range shot from outside the D – comfortably saved by Yousuf Butt.

83’ Pakistan get a half-chance, but Myanmar’s keeper gathers the shot without fuss.

84’ Drama inside Pakistan’s box – Abdullah Iqbal with a last-ditch tackle, followed by arguably the save of the match from Yousuf Butt. Superb reflexes.

85’ Shayek Dost tries a long-range effort from the left – miles wide.

87’ Another effort from Shayek, this time a sweetly struck volley from the edge of the box. It narrowly misses the top corner – a beauty if it had gone in.

90’ Four minutes of added time. Pakistan win a couple of set-pieces but lack execution.

92’ Myanmar take a free-kick near halfway and slow the tempo. Yousuf Butt again is forced into action – another clean save.

94’ Final clearance by Myanmar. The whistle goes.

Full-time: Myanmar 1–0 Pakistan

Myanmar take the three points in a tightly contested match, with their first-half goal proving enough. Pakistan showed defensive grit – particularly from Yousuf Butt, Fazal, and Mohib Ullah – but lacked cutting edge in the final third. Rahis Nabi’s bicycle kick and Shayek Dost’s late volley were highlights, but Myanmar’s organisation and efficiency saw them through.

Pakistan now turn to their next qualifier with positives to take from the second-half response, though sharper finishing will be key going forward.

About the Author

Mohsin Rasheed is the Chief Editor of Footballer.pk, Pakistan’s dedicated football media platform covering local and international football with in-depth reports, features, and exclusive insights. Passionate about telling the stories of Pakistani football, Mohsin leads the editorial direction of the platform and regularly contributes match reports, player profiles, and tactical breakdowns.

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