Pakistan will look to bounce back from a heavy opening defeat when they face the Philippines on Tuesday in a crucial Group B clash at the inaugural FIFA Asean Cup.
Pakistan suffered a 4-0 defeat to Thailand in their opening match but showed some promising moments, particularly during the early stages of the game. Goalkeeper Yousuf Butt also produced several important saves to keep his side within reach of Thailand for much of the first half.
The Philippines, meanwhile, suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Vietnam and pushed the regional champions close in their opening fixture.
With Thailand and Vietnam both having secured victories in their first matches, FIFA has described the Pakistan-Philippines encounter as a must-win contest for both teams, with the winner keeping its hopes of progressing from Group B alive.
Pakistan aim to respond after heavy defeat
Pakistan held Thailand scoreless for around 30 minutes in their opening match, with Mohibullah making an important interception and Ali Raza producing a timely sliding challenge.
Yousuf also made a key save before Thailand eventually broke the deadlock in the 31st minute. Teerasak Poeiphimai followed up after the Pakistan goalkeeper had stopped a header from Jude Soonsup-Bell.
Soonsup-Bell doubled Thailand’s advantage before half-time, while Teerasak added his second goal late in the second half. An own goal completed the scoring as Thailand secured a 4-0 victory.
Pakistan coach Nolberto Solano responded by making three changes at the interval in an effort to increase his team’s attacking threat.
Pakistan showed greater initiative after the break and created more pressure, but they were unable to find a goal to change the course of the match.
Philippines arrive with strengthened squad
The Philippines will enter Tuesday’s contest with several overseas-based players back in the squad after they 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 several important players from clubs abroad.
That added strength could make the Philippines a more difficult opponent for Pakistan, who will need a positive result to remain in contention for a place in the next stage.
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Pakistan’s Group B campaign
The match will be played at Bandung’s Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm local time, or 2pm Pakistan Standard Time, according to FIFA.
Pakistan are competing in Division One of the 14-team inaugural FIFA Asean Cup alongside Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam in Group B. The group matches are being staged in Indonesia.
Pakistan’s final group fixture is against Vietnam on October 2.
The campaign follows an encouraging summer for Solano’s side, with Pakistan going unbeaten at the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives before defeating Afghanistan in the final to claim their first standalone international tournament title in decades.
Pakistan will now need to build on that momentum and produce a stronger performance against the Philippines if they are to keep their Asean Cup campaign alive.
