Pakistan Fight Back From Two Goals Down to Draw 2-2 Against Philippines
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan produced an impressive second-half comeback to hold the Philippines to a 2-2 draw in their FIFA ASEAN Cup Division I Group B match on Tuesday.
The Green Shirts were trailing 2-0 at half-time but responded strongly after the break, with Ali Akbar Khan and Abdul Samad Arshad scoring to earn Pakistan a valuable point.
The result also gave Pakistan their first goals and first point in their debut FIFA competition appearance.
Philippines Take Early Control
Pakistan faced a difficult start against a Philippines side ranked significantly higher in the FIFA rankings.
The Philippines created pressure early in the match, forcing Pakistan’s defence to make several important interventions. Goalkeeper Yousuf Butt also made a crucial save to deny André Leipold in a one-on-one situation.
The home side eventually opened the scoring in the 24th minute.
A header from Pakistan defender Mohibullah Afridi struck the crossbar, but Sandro Reyes reacted quickly to the rebound and put the ball into the net.
Pakistan had an opportunity to respond soon after when Ali Akbar Khan broke through the defence, but Philippines goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza made a diving save.
Philippines Double Their Lead
Pakistan’s problems increased shortly after the half-hour mark when Mohammad Fazal was penalised for handball inside the box.
Bjørn Kristensen converted the resulting penalty, sending Yousuf Butt the wrong way to give the Philippines a 2-0 advantage.
The Philippines continued to threaten before half-time, but Pakistan managed to prevent any further damage.
Pakistan also created a few opportunities on the counterattack, although they could not find the target before the interval.
Ali Akbar Starts Pakistan’s Comeback
Pakistan head coach Nolberto Solano made two substitutions at half-time, bringing on Ali Agha and Hayyan Khattak.
The changes quickly made an impact.
Just two minutes into the second half, captain Abdullah Iqbal played the ball towards Ali Akbar on the left side.
Ali Akbar moved past a defender before calmly finishing between the goalkeeper’s legs to score his first international goal.
The goal gave Pakistan renewed confidence and they continued looking for an equaliser.
Abdul Samad Completes the Comeback
Pakistan eventually levelled the match around the hour mark.
Abdul Samad Arshad won possession on the right and carried the ball into the penalty area. He moved onto his left foot before firing a shot beyond Mendoza to make it 2-2.
It was Abdul Samad’s second international goal.
Pakistan remained positive after drawing level and continued searching for a winning goal.
Pakistan Hold On for Valuable Point
Solano later introduced Abdul Rehman and Abdul Samad Khan for their international debuts.
The Philippines also threatened on the counterattack, but Mohibullah made another important block from close range to keep Pakistan level.
With Pakistani supporters cheering from the stands, the Green Shirts pushed forward in the closing stages. However, the Philippines defence managed to hold firm and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
The point keeps Pakistan’s Group B campaign alive ahead of their final match against Vietnam.
