Pakistan Falls 2-0 to Ruthless Syria: Min-by-Min Full Match Report [Footballer.pk]

The stage is set at the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium in Saudi Arabia as Pakistan’s Shaheens lock horns with Syria’s Nosour Qasioun in a pivotal AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Group E clash. This encounter marks Pakistan’s return to competitive football after an eight-month hiatus, raising questions about their match readiness as they face a formidable Syrian side ranked 95th in the world. In contrast, Pakistan, ranked 198th, enters the contest as clear underdogs but with hopes of causing an upset and making a statement on the international stage.

For Pakistan, this match is more than just a battle for qualification—it’s an opportunity to rebuild and prove their mettle. With a young and determined squad, the Shaheens will look to defy expectations against a Syrian team known for its physicality, tactical discipline, and regional experience. Syria, on the other hand, arrives as favorites, boasting a squad with players competing in top leagues across the Middle East and Europe, and they will be eager to secure a crucial three points to kick-start their qualification campaign.

The stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams aim to leave their mark in Group E. Will Pakistan’s resilience and spirit be enough to overcome Syria’s superior ranking and experience? As the teams take the field under the Saudi Arabian night sky, anticipation is at an all-time high. Here is the complete minute-by-minute breakdown of this highly anticipated clash between Pakistan and Syria.

Lineups:

Pakistan MNT:

Yousaf Butt (GK)
Muhammad Umar Hayat
Muhammad Fazal
Abdullah Iqbal (C)
Haseeb Khan
Waqar Ehtisham
Rahis Nabi
McKeal Aroon Abdullah
Ali Uzair Mahmood
Alamgir Ghazi
Abdul Samad Shahzad

Syria MNT:

Elias Hadaya (GK)
Ahmad Faqa
Amr Almidani
Khaled Kourdoghli
Omar Al Soma (C)
Simon Alexander
Amar Ramadan
Ahmad Yassin
Mohammad Eid
Zakara Hannan

Kick-off: The match begins with both teams showing high energy and intent. Pakistan Shaheens are in their traditional white kit, while Syria takes the field in green. The stakes are high as both sides aim to assert dominance early on.

0′ – Both teams appear spirited and ready for a competitive battle.

1′ – A long-range attempt from a Syrian player sails well over the crossbar. Yousaf Butt resumes play with a goal kick.

4′ – Syria wins a free kick just outside the penalty box, but Pakistan’s defensive wall holds firm, blocking the attempt.

6′ – Encouraging signs for Pakistan as they string together a series of neat passes—a notable improvement given their historical struggles with ball retention.

7′ – Yellow card! Haseeb Khan is booked for a reckless challenge near the right touchline. Head coach Stephen Constantine is visibly frustrated with the unnecessary foul. The resulting free kick is cleared without consequence.

9′-10′ – Syria continues to press deep into Pakistan’s half, but the Shaheens manage to avoid any clear-cut scoring opportunities.

11′ – Syria probes inside the 16-yard box, but Ali Uzair Mahmood makes a crucial clearance to relieve the pressure. Syria is dominating possession and maintaining offensive momentum.

14′ – Pakistan is yet to threaten Syria’s defensive third. The Shaheens are struggling to mount any significant attack.

15′ – Brilliant defensive work from Muhammad Fazal, who makes a timely clearance to disrupt a Syrian advance.

16′ – Alamgir Ghazi shows signs of creativity in midfield, attempting to unsettle Syria’s defensive structure.

18′ – Syria’s intent to find the opener is clear. Their relentless attacks keep Pakistan’s defense on high alert, but the Shaheens are holding on.

20′ – A close escape for Pakistan! Syria piles on the pressure with repeated attacks, but Pakistan’s backline stands resolute to keep the deficit at zero.

22′ – GOAL! Syria takes the lead. A well-delivered corner from the left side finds Syrian defender Ahmad Faqa (No. 2) unmarked just outside the 8-yard box. He directs a powerful header past Yousaf Butt to give Syria a 1-0 advantage.

25′ – Syria is in complete control following their breakthrough. Pakistan needs to regroup and find an offensive spark to get back into the game.

26′ – Alamgir Ghazi is trying to utilize his midfield experience but is tightly marked by the Syrian players, limiting his influence.

29′ – Syria continues to dominate possession with precise passing, keeping Pakistan on the back foot.

30′ – Rahis Nabi floats a hopeful long ball from the right flank into the box, but his teammates fail to connect with a meaningful header.

31′ – Alamgir Ghazi goes down after a tough challenge. He appears to be in some discomfort but manages to continue.

33′ – The pressure is mounting on Pakistan. The Shaheens are defending resolutely but must find a way to shift momentum before halftime.

36′ – Interestingly, Pakistan has barely entered Syria’s danger zone, with only a couple of half-chances to their name.

37′ – Alamgir Ghazi attempts an ambitious shot from distance, but it sails harmlessly over the crossbar. Signs of frustration are creeping into Pakistan’s camp.

38′ – A bright moment for Pakistan! Ali Uzair Mahmood tries his luck with a powerful shot that goes narrowly wide of the right post. Coach Constantine applauds his effort from the sidelines.

40′ – Tension rises in Pakistan’s dugout as the Shaheens search desperately for an equalizer.

41′ – Yellow card for Syria! A Syrian defender is booked for blatantly pulling Abdul Samad Shahzad’s shirt—a cynical foul that draws laughs from the commentary booth.

43′ – Another close call for Pakistan! A sharp cross from Syria’s right flank flashes across the goal but misses the far post by inches. A let-off for the Shaheens.

45′ – The fourth official signals 2 minutes of added time.

Half-time: Syria 1-0 Pakistan

A tough first half for Pakistan, who find themselves trailing courtesy of a well-executed Syrian set piece. Despite flashes of promise, the Shaheens have struggled to penetrate Syria’s defensive lines. Coach Constantine will need to inspire a second-half resurgence if Pakistan hopes to salvage a result.

Second Half:

46′ – The second half kicks off with Pakistan eager to find a way back. Coach Constantine has made no changes at halftime.

49′ – Syria’s Omar Al Soma tests Yousaf Butt with a curling free kick, but the goalkeeper dives low to make a solid save.

52′ – Pakistan shows more urgency. Alamgir Ghazi delivers a cross from the left, but Waqar Ehtisham’s header is off target.

56′ – GOAL! Syria doubles their lead. After a scrappy exchange in the box, Syria’s No. 9 calmly slots the ball past Yousaf Butt, extending their advantage to 2-0.

60′ – Substitution for Pakistan. Abdul Samad Shahzad makes way for Zain Ul Abdeen as Pakistan looks to add fresh energy upfront.

65′ – Pakistan earns a corner, but Abdullah Iqbal’s header sails harmlessly over the bar.

70′ – Yellow card! Muhammad Umar Hayat is cautioned for a late tackle near the center circle.

74′ – Pakistan presses higher up the pitch, but Syria remains composed in defense, limiting clear opportunities.

80′ – Final push from Pakistan. Rahis Nabi fires a low shot from outside the box, forcing a save from the Syrian keeper.

85′ – Time is running out for Pakistan. Syria is managing the game effectively, keeping possession in the final third.

90′ – The fourth official indicates 4 minutes of added time.

90+3′ – Last chance for Pakistan! Alamgir Ghazi’s free kick from 25 yards is punched clear by the Syrian goalkeeper.

Full-time: Syria 2-0 Pakistan

A challenging match for Pakistan ends in defeat. Despite moments of promise, the Shaheens were unable to break down a disciplined Syrian defense. Syria’s clinical finishing proved decisive as they secured a well-earned victory.