Pakistan fight back from 2-0 down to secure first ASEAN Cup point

LAHORE - Ali Akbar Khan and Abdul Samad Arshad inspired a remarkable Pakistan fightback as the Green Shirts came from two goals down to hold the Philippines to a 2-2 draw in the FIFA ASEAN Cup on Tuesday, earning their first-ever point in a FIFA competition.

Playing their second Division I Group B match, Pakistan initially struggled against the 136th-ranked Philippines, who took control through Sandro Reyes’ rebound finish in the 24th minute. Bjorn Kristensen then doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after Mohammad Fazal was penalised for handball. Pakistan, ranked 198th, responded strongly after the interval. Head coach Nolberto Solano introduced Ali Agha and Hayyan Khattak at halftime, and the changes immediately lifted Pakistan’s attacking threat. Two minutes into the second half, Ali Akbar reduced the deficit after being released on the left by captain Abdullah Iqbal. The forward skilfully evaded a defender before firing through goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza’s legs for his first international goal.

Pakistan continued to press and were rewarded again when Abdul Samad Arshad produced an excellent individual effort to level the contest. The midfielder won possession on the right, drove into the penalty area, cut inside and fired beyond the helpless Mendoza for his second international goal. The Philippines threatened on the counter, but Pakistan’s defence stood firm, with Mohibullah Afridi making another important block to deny the hosts. Encouraged by strong support from Pakistan fans in the stands, the Green Shirts pressed for a winner in the closing stages, but the Philippines held on. The result marked a significant recovery for Pakistan, who had opened their campaign with a 4-0 defeat against Thailand.

Solano praised his players’ response, saying the team’s reaction after falling two goals behind was the most important aspect of the match. He added that Pakistan had reached a stage where they believed they could win the game.

Ali Akbar said Pakistan’s hopes of progressing remained alive, depending on the outcome of other Group B matches and their final fixture. He described the tournament as a valuable test and said the team would use the experience to prepare for future Asian Cup and World Cup qualifying campaigns.

Pakistan will now turn their attention to their final group match against Vietnam, aiming to build on their historic first point and further develop under Solano.