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LAHORE: Pakistan’s maiden FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign came to an end on Friday as they suffered a spirited 4-2 defeat against Vietnam in their final Division I Group B match at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Despite the loss, Pakistan produced another encouraging display against opponents ranked 99 places above them in the FIFA rankings and, for large parts of the contest, looked capable of pulling off a major upset. Having rallied from two goals down to draw 2-2 with the Philippines in their previous outing, Pakistan once again showed resilience and attacking intent against one of the tournament’s stronger sides.
Coach Nolberto Solano’s men made an impressive start and dominated much of the first half. Their early pressure almost yielded rewards when a neat exchange between Abdul Samad Shahzad and Ali Akbar Khan created an opening inside the box, while Shayek Dost also threatened with a headed effort.
Pakistan’s positive approach was rewarded in the 31st minute when Mohibullah capitalized on an error by the Vietnam defence. Pressing aggressively, he dispossessed a centre-back before calmly slotting the ball beneath goalkeeper Patrik Giang Le to give Pakistan a deserved 1-0 lead.
Vietnam, however, emerged a different side after the interval and turned the match around with three goals in 30 minutes. Long Hai Nguyen levelled in the 50th minute after cutting inside from the left flank before firing past goalkeeper Yousuf Butt. Seven minutes later, Duc Hoang Nguyen completed the comeback with a first-time finish from a cutback, putting Vietnam ahead 2-1.
Pakistan continued to push forward in search of an equaliser, but Vietnam extended their advantage in the 80th minute when Bac Dinh Nguyen raced onto a long ball and finished clinically to make it 3-1.
