ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s campaign in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers came to a disappointing and chaotic end as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Myanmar at the Jinnah Stadium on Tuesday, undone by costly errors and missed opportunities in a match that slipped from their grasp in the second half.
In a close-door AFC Qualifier, Pakistan showed early promise and attacking intent but ultimately paid the price for defensive frailties and lapses in concentration, allowing Myanmar to seize control and close out the contest despite a late surge from the hosts.
The first half painted a picture of hope for Pakistan. Organized, energetic, and purposeful, the home side created multiple openings and looked the more threatening unit. Captain Alamgir Ghazi led from the front, nearly breaking the deadlock midway through the half with a powerful long-range effort that forced Myanmar goalkeeper Zin Nyi Nyi Aung into a sharp save.
Moments later, Pakistan came agonizingly close again. A well-delivered cross from the left found Ali Uzair at the far post, whose downward header created a golden chance, but Shayek Dost failed to apply the finishing touch, letting Myanmar off the hook.
Pakistan ended the first half on top, dictating tempo and showing signs of a breakthrough. However, the momentum dramatically shifted after the interval in a manner that stunned both players and spectators alike.
The second half began in disastrous fashion for Pakistan. A moment of confusion at the back, coupled with poor communication, led to an avoidable opening goal. Goalkeeper Saqib Hanif failed to deal with a routine back pass, gifting Myanmar a lead that completely altered the complexion of the match.
Shaken by the setback, Pakistan struggled to regain composure as Myanmar grew in confidence, asserting dominance through better possession and sharper movement. Their second goal arrived just before the hour mark, exposing Pakistan’s defensive vulnerabilities once again. Than Paing capitalized on a perfectly timed run to beat the offside trap and calmly slotted home a low cross from the right, doubling the visitors’ advantage.
From that point onward, Pakistan found themselves chasing the game under increasing pressure. Their attacking efforts lacked cohesion, while Myanmar continued to threaten on the counter, looking more likely to extend their lead than concede. urther compounding Pakistan’s woes was an injury to Junaid Shah, which reduced the team to 10 men after all substitutions had already been utilized, leaving them at a numerical disadvantage during a crucial phase of the match.
Despite the setbacks, Pakistan showed resilience in the dying moments. Deep into stoppage time, Shayek Dost provided a glimmer of hope when he rose superbly to head home a precise cross from Tufail Shinwari, finally breaking Pakistan’s goal drought their first since Etzaz Hussain’s strike against Afghanistan away from home.
