Pakistan remain winless as they fold their Asian Cup Qualifiers journey
Myanmar beat the Green-shirts 2-1 as Pakistan finish their journey with just two points from six games
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LAHORE: Pakistan’s 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign came to a spirited yet disappointing end on Tuesday as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Myanmar, undone by second-half lapses despite a resolute display at Jinnah Stadium Islamabad.
Coached by Nolberto Solano, Pakistan finished at the rock bottom of Group E with two points from six matches, their campaign marked by flashes of promise but ultimately lacking the cutting edge required at this level.
The hosts began with purpose, showing attacking intent in an evenly contested first half. Captain Alamgir Ghazi came close to breaking the deadlock midway through the opening period, unleashing a powerful long-range effort that forced Myanmar goalkeeper Zin Nyi Nyi Aung into a sharp save.
Pakistan continued to press, with Ali Uzair nodding a cross back across goal moments later, but forward Shayek Dost was unable to apply the finishing touch.
Having ended the first half on top, Pakistan’s momentum was abruptly halted just after the restart. Goalkeeper Saqib Hanif failed to deal with a routine back pass, gifting Myanmar the opening goal in the 46th minute.
The visitors doubled their advantage on the hour mark when Than Paing latched onto a low cross after beating the offside trap, calmly slotting home to put Pakistan on the back foot.
Despite the setback, Pakistan continued to push forward and were rewarded in the dying moments. In the 90th minute, Shayek Dost rose to meet a precise delivery from Tufail Shinwari, heading home to register the team’s first goal since Etzaz Hussain scored against Afghanistan earlier in the campaign.
The late strike injected urgency into the hosts, who were reduced to ten men after Junaid Shah was forced off injured with all substitutions already used. However, Myanmar held firm to secure the win.
The result sees Myanmar finish second in Group E with 12 points, behind group winners Syria, while it was just an experience for Pakistan which need huge improvement if they are to compete at the top continental level.
