Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: Pakistan’s two-game winning streak was abruptly ended after a 2-1 defeat by Laos in Group B of the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers.
At the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, Cambodia struck first when Palindeth Phettakounh drifted to the back post in the ninth minute to nod home Anoulak Singsavang’s corner delivery.
Pakistan then controlled the match but had to wait until the first minute of added time to draw level through Muhammad Abdullah’s towering header from Abdul Samad’s inswinging cross from the left.
The South Asian side went close in the 58th minute after confusion in the Laos box but Abdullah could only lob the ball wide.
Laos took advantage to score the winner in the 72nd minute when Odin Siphanit converted his penalty after Sitthilath Chantamaly had been fouled by Nadeem Hussain.
Pakistan’s attempts to equalize again in the final minutes proved unfruitful as Laos won their third successive game on these qualifiers. The loss jeopardizes Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Yemen also maintained their three-match winning streak after a 3-0 win over Cambodia, while Group hosts Kyrgyzstan thrashed Guam 9-0 to register a first win in the campaign.
Pakistan now face Yemen on 28 November at the Dostuk Arena in Besh-Kungei in a do or die fixture.
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