Vietnam Beat Pakistan 4-2 as Shaheens End ASEAN Cup Campaign
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan Finish Fourth in Group After Showing Fight Against Vietnam
Pakistan’s first FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign ended with a 4-2 defeat against Vietnam at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
The Shaheens produced a promising first-half performance and took the lead through Mohibullah Afridi, but Vietnam responded strongly after the interval to secure all three points.
Pakistan entered the match needing a win to keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive. Despite facing a Vietnam side ranked significantly higher in the world standings, Pakistan started with confidence and created several chances.
Pakistan Take the Lead
Pakistan came close early in the game when Ali Akbar Khan’s effort was blocked after a combination with Abdul Samad Shahzad.
Shayek Dost also had an opportunity in the opening minutes but headed wide.
Vietnam gradually settled into the match and tested Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt, but Pakistan continued to threaten through Ali Akbar and Abdul Samad.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 31st minute.
Mohibullah Afridi won possession from a Vietnam defender, moved into the penalty area and calmly finished underneath goalkeeper Patrik Giang Le to give Pakistan a 1-0 lead.
Pakistan held onto their advantage until halftime.
Vietnam Turn Match Around
Vietnam came out strongly after the break and quickly changed the momentum.
Long Hai Nguyen levelled the contest in the 50th minute after receiving a pass on the left, cutting inside and finishing past Yousuf Butt.
Just seven minutes later, Duc Hoang Nguyen completed Vietnam’s comeback by converting a cutback first time to put his side 2-1 ahead.
Pakistan tried to respond, with Abdul Samad having another effort blocked and Umar Nawaz heading over the crossbar.
Vietnam continued to press and added a third goal in the 80th minute. Bac Dinh Nguyen collected a long pass and fired the ball into the net.
Late Pakistan Fightback
Pakistan refused to give up and pulled a goal back in the 88th minute.
Ali Akbar Khan’s shot travelled through a crowded penalty area before experienced forward Kaleemullah Khan got the final touch to make it 3-2.
The goal gave Pakistan renewed hope of finding a late equaliser.
However, Vietnam settled the match in stoppage time when Bac Dinh Nguyen created the opportunity for Hoang Minh Williams, who scored Vietnam’s fourth goal.
Pakistan Finish Bottom of Group
The defeat left Pakistan fourth in Division I Group B with one point from three matches.
Pakistan opened the tournament with a 4-0 defeat against Thailand before earning a 2-2 draw against the Philippines after coming back from two goals down.
Vietnam finished second in the group behind Thailand, while the Philippines took third place.
Although Pakistan could not advance to the semi-finals, the campaign provided the national side with valuable competitive experience against higher-ranked opposition.
The Shaheens will now turn their attention to their upcoming international fixtures as they continue preparations for future FIFA competitions.
