BANDUNG: Pakistan produced a spirited second-half comeback to hold the Philippines to a 2-2 draw in the FIFA ASEAN Cup on Tuesday.
Ali Akbar Khan scored his first international goal before Abdul Samad Arshad struck the equaliser, giving Pakistan their first point and goals in their debut FIFA competition.
The result followed a 4-0 defeat against Thailand in Pakistan’s Division I Group B opener. However, Nolberto Solano’s side responded with a determined performance after trailing by two goals at half-time.
Philippines Take First-Half Control
The 198th-ranked Pakistan side came under early pressure from the 136th-ranked Philippines, whose attackers repeatedly sent crosses into the penalty area.
Mohibullah Afridi blocked a low cross for a corner, while goalkeeper Yousuf Butt denied Andre Leipold in a one-on-one situation.
The Philippines eventually took the lead in the 24th minute through a scrappy goal. Mohibullah, positioned on the goal line, turned a header onto the crossbar, but Sandro Reyes reacted quickest and bundled in the rebound.
Pakistan created a chance soon afterwards when Ali Akbar broke through the defence. However, Philippines goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza made a diving save.
Two minutes after the half-hour mark, the Philippines doubled their lead. Mohammad Fazal conceded a penalty for handball inside the box, and Bjorn Kristensen converted the spot-kick, sending Yousuf the wrong way.
The Philippines continued to threaten. Haris Zeb blocked a diving header, while Yousuf made another intervention.
Pakistan launched a counterattack late in the first half, but Alamgir Ghazi sent a long-range effort over the crossbar.
Ali Akbar Sparks Pakistan Comeback
Solano made two changes at the break, bringing on Ali Agha and Hayyan Khattak for Alamgir and Umar Nawaz.
The changes quickly paid off.
Just two minutes into the second half, captain Abdullah Iqbal found Ali Akbar on the left. The forward beat a defender with a run into the area before firing between Mendoza’s legs to reduce the deficit.
Pakistan continued to push forward. Hayyan soon fired wide, while another attacking move on the hour mark ended when his cutback failed to reach Ali Akbar.
The equaliser arrived shortly afterwards.
Abdul Samad Arshad won possession on the right and drove into the penalty area. He cut inside before shooting past Mendoza to score his second international goal and make it 2-2.
Pakistan Push for Winner
Solano later introduced Abdul Rehman and Abdul Samad Khan, giving both players their international debuts. They replaced Fazal and Ali Uzair as Pakistan maintained their attacking approach.
Pakistan also defended resolutely when the Philippines threatened on the counterattack. Mohibullah produced another important block from close range.
With Pakistani supporters cheering from the stands, the team continued searching for a late winner.
However, the Philippines held firm, and both sides settled for a draw.
The result gave Pakistan their first point in the tournament and marked a significant response after their opening defeat to Thailand.
