Vietnam overwhelm Pakistan in ASEAN Cup
“Pakistan's maiden FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign ended with a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Vietnam on Friday, despite a strong first-half display that saw the low-ranked side take the lead at Jakarta's Gelora …”
Nolberto Solano's Pakistan side, ranked 99 places below Vietnam, went into the match needing victory to keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive. They made an encouraging start and controlled much of the opening half before taking the lead through Mohibullah Afridi in the 31st minute.
Pakistan had already threatened several times, with Ali Akbar Khan seeing an early effort blocked after combining with Abdul Samad Shahzad, while Shayek Dost headed wide in the fifth minute. Vietnam gradually settled into the contest and forced Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt into action with a deflected effort, but Pakistan continued to create openings through Ali Akbar and Abdul Samad.
Their pressure finally paid off when Mohibullah dispossessed a Vietnam centre-back, advanced towards goal and calmly placed the ball underneath goalkeeper Patrik Giang Le. Vietnam responded after the break and turned the game around within seven minutes.
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Long Hai Nguyen equalised in the 50th minute after receiving a through ball on the left, cutting inside and firing past Yousuf. Duc Hoang Nguyen then completed the turnaround seven minutes later, striking a cutback first time to put Vietnam 2-1 ahead.
Pakistan attempted to respond, with Abdul Samad Shahzad seeing another effort blocked, while Umar Nawaz headed over from a cross. Vietnam extended their advantage in the 80th minute when Bac Dinh Nguyen raced onto a long ball and fired into the net.
Pakistan refused to surrender and reduced the deficit two minutes from full time. Ali Akbar's shot travelled through a crowded penalty area before veteran Kaleemullah Khan supplied the decisive touch to make it 3-2. But any hopes of a late equaliser were ended when Bac Dinh set up Hoang Minh Williams for Vietnam's fourth goal.
The result saw Vietnam finish second in Division I Group B behind Thailand, with the Philippines third and Pakistan fourth. Pakistan finished their first FIFA competition with one point, having earlier fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with the Philippines after suffering a 4-0 defeat by Thailand in their opening match.
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