JAKARTA, Indonesia: Pakistan ended its FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign with a 4-2 defeat to Vietnam after putting up a strong fight against a side ranked significantly higher in the world standings.
Coach Norberto Solano’s team made an impressive start and took the lead in the 31st minute through Mohibullah, who won the ball from Vietnam’s defence before calmly beating goalkeeper Patrick Giang Le.
Pakistan had created several opportunities before taking the lead. Shaik Dost headed wide in the fifth minute, while Abdul Samad also tested the Vietnamese defence with a shot that was saved by the goalkeeper.
Pakistan maintained its advantage until half-time, going into the break 1-0 ahead.
Vietnam responded strongly after the restart. Long Hai Nguyen equalised in the 50th minute before Duc Hoang Nguyen put Vietnam ahead seven minutes later.
Pakistan continued to search for an equaliser, with Abdul Samad Shahzad seeing an effort blocked and Umar narrowly missing with a header from Abdul Samad Khan’s cross.
Vietnam extended its lead in the 80th minute when Bac Dinh Nguyen made it 3-1.
Pakistan refused to give up and pulled a goal back in the 88th minute. Kaleemullah Khan provided the decisive touch to Ali Akbar’s shot, giving Pakistan renewed hope of completing another comeback.
However, Vietnam sealed the match in stoppage time when Hoang Minh Williams converted from a Bac Dinh Nguyen pass to make it 4-2.
Pakistan had previously fought back from two goals down against the Philippines to earn a 2-2 draw, and the team again showed resilience against Vietnam.
Vietnam finished second in the group behind Thailand, while the Philippines placed third. Pakistan completed its first FIFA competition campaign with one point.