Pakistan-Afghanistan Asian Cup Qualifiers game ends in goalless draw [Nukta]

by Alam Zeb Safi

Pakistan and Afghanistan held to a goalless draw in their 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Group E fixture at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, as the missed penalty from Otis Khan in the 67th minute turned out to be the decisive factor for the home team in a goalless draw.

As a result, the outcome leaves both Pakistan and Afghanistan with a solitary point each from three games, still winless in the group.

Meanwhile, both the teams entered the match on the back of losing both their first two group fixtures. Despite some clear opportunities, neither side managed to find the back of the net.

The outcome leaves both Pakistan and Afghanistan with a solitary point each from three games, still winless in the group.

Poor finishing

Afghanistan started brightly, looking to stamp their authority on the match with high pressing and quick movement. They dominated possession early on, catching Pakistan off guard.

However, they came up against a resilient Pakistani defence, anchored by Abdullah Iqbal, who plays for current Swedish league leaders Mjällby. Iqbal’s leadership and composure at the back proved pivotal in blunting Afghanistan’s forward momentum.

Pakistan, content to sit deep, opted to play on the counterattack. Their first real chance came in the 29th minute when Shayak Dost led a breakaway and threaded a clever pass through to Ahmed Faraz, whose low shot forced Afghan goalkeeper Ovays Aziz into action.

After a cautious first half, Pakistan head coach Nolberto Solano made attacking changes in the second period, introducing forwards Mckeal Aroon Abdullah and Kaleemullah, along with midfielder Haris Ali Zeb.

The changes gave Pakistan renewed energy going forward and shifted the balance of play. The breakthrough nearly came in the 67th minute when Faraz was tripped inside the box by Afghan defender Amid Arezou, resulting in a penalty for Pakistan.

Otis Khan stepped up, but to the dismay of the home crowd, he sent the ball sailing high over the bar –a golden chance that could have changed the course of the match.

Despite the disappointment, Pakistan continued to push forward in search of a winner. Another golden chance came in the 85th minute when the pacey Faraz was played through on goal. He raced into the Afghan penalty area, only to be denied by yet another excellent save from Aziz, who was undoubtedly one of the standout performers of the evening.

The second-leg

The two teams are set to meet again in the return leg on October 14 in Kuwait. With time running out in the group stage and stronger opponents ahead, both Pakistan and Afghanistan face a daunting task if they hope to remain in contention for qualification to the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

Although the match ended 0-0 as Pakistan showed great defensive discipline and tactical maturity, while Afghanistan demonstrated control and composure in possession.

However, the inability to convert chances into goals remains a shared concern for both teams.

On the other hand, their next meeting in Kuwait on October 14 may well decide which remains in the hunt for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup berth.

Published in Nukta, 9 October 2025