Pakistan suffer 4-0 defeat to Thailand in FIFA ASEAN Cup opener

BANDUNG: Pakistan’s FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign began on a difficult note as Thailand secured a 4-0 victory over the Green Shirts in their Group B opener at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia.

Playing as a guest team in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, Pakistan remained compact during the early stages and managed to frustrate Thailand for much of the opening half hour. The Green Shirts defended in numbers, with Mohibullah making an important interception and Ali Raza producing a well-timed sliding tackle.

Goalkeeper Yousuf Butt also kept Pakistan in the contest with a fine save around the half-hour mark. However, Thailand eventually broke the deadlock in the 31st minute.

Jude Soonsup-Bell’s header was saved by Butt, but the rebound fell kindly for Teerasak Poeiphimai, who made no mistake from close range to put Thailand ahead.

Pakistan’s task became more difficult 10 minutes later when a misplaced pass from captain Abdullah Iqbal allowed Thailand to launch another quick attack. Soonsup-Bell finished the move from close range to double his side’s advantage.

Thailand thought they had added a third before halftime, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Pakistan coach Nolberto Solano responded by making three changes at the interval. Shayek Dost, Hayyan Khattak and Alamgir Ghazi were introduced as Pakistan looked for a way back into the game.

The changes brought greater attacking energy. Full-backs Mohammad Fazal and Haris Zeb pushed forward, while Pakistan enjoyed spells of possession. Despite their improved start to the second half, the Green Shirts struggled to create a clear-cut opportunity.

Thailand restored their control around the hour mark and extended their lead in the 60th minute. Teerasak exchanged passes with Supachai Chaided before unleashing a left-footed volley that took a deflection off Haris Zeb and looped over Butt.

Pakistan continued searching for a response, with Abdul Samad Arshad attempting a curling effort from outside the box. Veteran forward Kaleemullah Khan was also introduced with 19 minutes remaining.

Thailand missed a chance to add a fourth in the 77th minute, but Teerasak eventually completed his brace six minutes from full time. After Pakistan failed to clear the danger, Kakana Khamyok’s touch sent Teerasak through, and the forward calmly finished past Butt.

The result leaves Pakistan with work to do in Group B. The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup features 14 teams, with Pakistan drawn alongside Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Pakistan will next face the Philippines on September 29 before taking on Vietnam on October 2.

Despite the heavy opening defeat, Pakistan entered the tournament after winning the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives, their first international title in 74 years, and will now look to respond in their remaining group matches.