Pakistan open FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign with 4-0 defeat against Thailand
Pakistan opened their FIFA Asean Cup campaign with a 4-0 defeat to Thailand at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia, on Saturday, as Teerasak Poeiphimai struck twice and an own goal compounded the Green Shirts’ chastening introduction to the tournament.
Pakistan, ranked 198th in the world and competing as a guest side, defended in numbers during a cagey opening half hour.
Mohibullah produced a brilliant interception, and Ali Raza made a superb sliding tackle as Nolberto Solano’s men restricted Thailand to long-range efforts, with goalkeeper Yousuf Butt making a fine save on the half-hour mark.
Yousuf was powerless moments later, however, when he saved a header from Jude Soonsup-Bell only for Teerasak to tuck in the rebound and open the scoring in the 31st minute.
Thailand’s second arrived ten minutes later after captain Abdullah Iqbal’s misplaced pass led to a quick burst that ended with Soonsup-Bell slamming home from close range.
Thailand had the ball in the net again three minutes later, but the effort was ruled offside.
Pakistan needed inspiration, and coach Nolberto Solano made three substitutions at halftime, with Shayek Dost, Hayyan Khattak and Alamgir Ghazi coming on for Ali Raza, Ali Agha and Abdullah Shah.
The changes brought more enterprise, with full-backs Mohammad Fazal and Haris Zeb making forward runs, and Pakistan started the second half brightly, keeping possession and threatening without making a decisive move.
Thailand slowly grew back into the half and scored their third on the hour mark. Teerasak played a one-two with Supachai Chaided before his left-footed volley deflected off Haris Zeb and looped over goalkeeper Yousuf into the net.
Abdul Samad Arshad attempted a curler from outside the box but missed the target as Pakistan tried to respond, and veteran Kaleemullah Khan was brought on with 19 minutes to go.
At the 77th minute mark, Thailand missed a golden chance to extend their lead when a grounded cross came in from the left, but the forward completely missed the ball with only Yousuf to beat.
Teerasak completed his brace six minutes from time. Pakistan failed to clear their lines, Peeradol Chamrasamee played the ball forward, and a smart touch from Kakana Khamyok played the forward onside.
Teerasak placed the ball smartly past the goalkeeper to seal the victory.
Solano’s side face the Philippines on September 29 before their final group-stage fixture against Vietnam on October 2.
Pakistan entered the tournament on the back of winning the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives earlier this year, their first title in 74 years.
