Pakistan Face Philippines in Crucial ASEAN Cup Clash After Thailand Defeat
Sports Correspondent :Imran Sohail
Pakistan will aim to bounce back from their opening defeat when they take on the Philippines in a crucial Group B match of the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup on Tuesday.
The match is scheduled to take place at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia, with kick-off at 4pm local time (2pm Pakistan Standard Time), according to FIFA.
Pakistan began their campaign with a 4-0 defeat against Thailand, while the Philippines suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Vietnam in their opening fixture.
With Thailand and Vietnam having already secured victories, Tuesday’s match is important for both Pakistan and the Philippines as they look to keep their chances of progressing from Group B alive.
Pakistan Look to Recover
Pakistan managed to stay in the contest for around 30 minutes against Thailand before conceding the opening goal.
Goalkeeper Yousuf Butt made several important saves, while Mohibullah and Ali Raza also made key defensive interventions during the match.
Thailand eventually took the lead in the 31st minute when Teerasak Poeiphimai scored after Butt had initially stopped a header from Jude Soonsup-Bell.
Soonsup-Bell added Thailand’s second goal before half-time. An own goal increased Pakistan’s deficit before Teerasak scored again in the second half to complete his brace.
Pakistan coach Nolberto Solano made three changes at the interval as his team looked to create more attacking opportunities. Pakistan improved after the break but were unable to score.
Philippines Also Seeking First Win
The Philippines enter the match after a closely contested defeat against Vietnam.
Their squad has also been strengthened by the return of several overseas-based players who were unavailable during the August ASEAN Championship. The Philippine Football Federation said the tournament’s status during the FIFA international window allowed it to call up players based at clubs abroad.
Both teams will be looking for their first points of the competition when they meet in Bandung.
Pakistan’s Group B Schedule
Pakistan are competing in Division One of the 14-team inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup and have been placed in Group B alongside Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.
All Group B matches are being played in Indonesia. Pakistan will complete their group-stage campaign against Vietnam on October 2.
Pakistan head into the tournament after an encouraging summer under Solano. The national team remained unbeaten at the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives and defeated Afghanistan in the final to win the title.
