Cambodia put Pakistan out of the event with narrow win

By our correspondent
LAHORE: In a tightly contested international friendly, Cambodia edged past Pakistan 1-0 in a match that saw both sides create chances but struggle with composure in the final third.
The lone goal, scored by Devit Yem in the 31st minute, proved to be the difference on a warm evening that tested both the teams’ tactical discipline and physical endurance.
The match began with both sides showing signs of nervous energy, knowing that a win would provide a much-needed morale boost in their respective rebuilding phases. Pakistan, under a new tactical system introduced by coach Shahzad Anwar, looked to establish early control in midfield through the efforts of veteran midfielder Saqib Hanif and the industrious Noorullah Baloch.
Pakistan nearly took the lead in the 19th minute when winger Adeel Younas exploited a gap on the right flank. Sprinting past his marker with a burst of pace, he found himself in a promising position just inside the box. However, with only the goalkeeper to beat, Younas rushed his shot and could only find the side netting. It was a clear chance, and one that Pakistan would come to rue.
The missed opportunity seemed to invigorate the Cambodian side, who began to assert themselves with quick, decisive passing through midfield. Their persistence paid off in the 31st minute. Mon Rado, a constant threat down the left wing, surged forward with a dazzling run. He cut inside and fired a low drive toward goal, which was partially blocked by defender Mohammad Saddam. The rebound, however, fell kindly to Devit Yem, who reacted quickest to hook the ball into the back of the net from close range, sending the home crowd into celebration.
Trailing by a goal, Pakistan came out in the second half with renewed purpose. They pushed higher up the pitch, with Muhammad Adeel and Furqan Umar increasingly involved in attacking sequences. Just four minutes after the restart, Adeel rose above his marker to meet a pinpoint cross from Yousaf Butt, but his header sailed just over the crossbar—a let-off for Cambodia.
The pressure intensified as the match progressed. In the 65th minute, Furqan Umar had perhaps Pakistan’s best chance to level the score. After a well-worked move down the left, the ball fell to Umar inside the six-yard box. His low shot seemed destined for the net, but a dramatic goal-line clearance from Cambodian defender Sok Rotha denied the visitors a deserved equaliser.
Despite late substitutions and a flurry of long balls into the Cambodian box in the final 10 minutes, Pakistan could not break down the resolute defense. Cambodia, to their credit, managed the closing stages well—slowing down the tempo and disrupting Pakistan’s rhythm whenever possible.
As the final whistle blew, Pakistan were left to reflect on missed opportunities, while Cambodia celebrated a gritty, hard-fought victory. For both teams, the match offered valuable lessons, with Cambodia earning confidence ahead of upcoming qualifiers, and Pakistan showing glimpses of potential that could blossom with more cohesion and finishing polish.