Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: Pakistan impressed again in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Qualifiers after each notched their second win in Group B, this time 3-1 against group hosts Kyrgyz Republic.
Pakistan had the brighter start and got the opening goal in the ninth minute in a fortuitous manner after Kyrgyz Republic custodian Daniel Kuluev let Muhammad Mustafa’s shot escape his clutches and land in the net.
At the other end, Samar Razzaq produced a brilliant reflex save to push Ulukbek Ishenbaev’s strike from close range onto the bar.
The South Asian side benefited from another defensive error from the group hosts in the 23rd minute, Kuluev rushed out of his box to head clear but the ball landed nicely for Abdul Samad who volleyed into the empty goalmouth.
Razzaq was the saviour for Pakistan again in the 65th minute, tipping Aliiar Alisherov’s cross cum shot on to the post.
Kyrgyz Republic pulled a goal back in the 65th minute after Artem Potorochin’s strong challenge saw the ball roll nicely for Ishenbaev to lift past Razzaq.
Pakistan rode the heavy pressure before a breakaway goal in the 83rd minute sealed their win, Muhammad Abdullah found Muhammad Essa who thumped his shot high into the roof of the net.
In other results, Yemen were too strong for Guam as the West Asian side ran out 10-0 winners while Laos were at their scintillating best in defeating Cambodia 5-1.
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