By Alam Zeb Safi
ISLAMABAD: Syria cruised to a commanding 5–0 victory over Pakistan in their Group E encounter of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round on Tuesday, extending their perfect run in the competition.
With the win, the already-qualified West Asian side moved to 15 points from five matches, having secured their place in the next stage with two games to spare. Pakistan, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom of the group and continue their search for a first point.
Syria began the match with high intensity, immediately putting Pakistan under pressure. In the opening minute, Mahmoud Al Aswad and Amar Ramadan both threatened to break the deadlock, while Mahmoud Al Mawas orchestrated a neat move in the third minute to set up Mohammad Anez, whose attempt was blocked by the Pakistani defence.
Pakistan responded a minute later when Ahmed Faraz made an aggressive run into the box, only to be halted by a well-timed challenge from the Syrian backline.
Their first real chance came in the sixth minute, with Rahis Nabi skillfully shaking off his marker on the flank before driving into the area. His low, powerful strike forced Syrian goalkeeper Shaher Alshaker to make a sharp save at the near post.
Syria, however, continued to dictate proceedings and nearly scored in the 22nd minute following a swift counter-attack. Al Mawas delivered a precise pass to Al Aswad, but Haris Ali Zeb stepped in with a crucial defensive intervention inside the penalty area.
Five minutes later, Syria threatened again when Khaled Kourdoghli curled a dangerous ball deep into the box for Amar Ramadan, who failed to connect cleanly, allowing Pakistan to escape unpunished.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 34th minute. Zakaria Hannan surged down the flank and delivered a smart cutback into the six-yard area, where Mohammad Al Hallak reacted quickest to guide the ball into the net from close range.
Syria doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half. Ramadan slipped a perfectly weighted through ball to Al Mawas, whose first attempt was saved by Pakistan goalkeeper Adam Ahmed. The rebound, however, fell kindly for Al Hallak, who made no mistake in smashing home his second goal of the night.
Pakistan struggled to regain control, and Syria continued to capitalise on defensive gaps. In the 79th minute, a quick counter-attack initiated by Al Hallak allowed substitute Yasin Al Samya to slot in Syria’s third goal.
Alaa Al Dali added a fourth in the 90th minute, powering through the middle before rounding goalkeeper Adam Ahmed and calmly finishing into an empty net.
In stoppage time, Al Samya completed the rout with his second goal, converting a neat layoff from Anas Dahhan to seal Syria’s emphatic 5–0 win.
With Syria maintaining their flawless record, Pakistan will look to regroup and salvage pride in their remaining fixtures as the qualifiers progress.
