The 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers Group G finally concluded today, 9 September 2025, at the National Sports Complex in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Pakistan U23s continued their misfortune streak as they lost 1-0 to Oman despite competing well. Similar to Pakistan losing 1-0 to Cambodia a few days on 6 September and a 8-1 mauling at the hands of Iraq when the Shaheens finished with 9 men.
Plenty of changes were made as head coach Nolberto Solano returned to the touchline after a one-match suspension, with Hassan Ali making a start in goal and Mohibullah Afridi returning after serving his own suspension. Tufail Shinwari captained the side as defender Haseeb Khan sat out after his opening day injury.
Oman got into their rhythm quickly with Nasser Alsaqri’s pace seeing him break through on the right, beat a defender and bear down on goal but was closed down well by Pakistan custodian Hassan Ali.
The West Asians got the lead in the 16th minute when Turki Abdullah beat the offside trap to turn in Said Alghanboosi’s perfectly floated ball into the net.
Chances were spurned by both sides in the closing minutes of the first half with Pakistan’s Syed Ali Raza smacking one effort against the bar while Oman’s Sameer Alhatmi headed over from close range unchallenged.
A heavy downpour at half-time saw both teams taking time to adapt to the slick surface at the National Sports Complex of Cambodia.
Pakistan eventually created a chance in the 75th minute but Mckeal Aroon’s effort was thwarted by Oman goalkeeper Abdullah Aljabri before the West Asians went up the other end and saw Osama Sameer’s attempt hit the post but eventually saw out the win.
In the later game, hosts Cambodia and Iraq played out a 0-0 draw. The final results saw Iraq, the 2013 edition winners, qualify as group winners with 7 points, Cambodia finishing on 5 points but not able to finish among 4 best runners-up, Oman with 4 points, and Pakistan bottom with 0 points from 3 games played and a -9 goal difference.