Syria thrash Pakistan 5-0 in ACQs [Geo Super]

ISLAMABAD: Syria extended their dominance over Pakistan with a commanding 5-0 victory in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifying clash at Jinnah Stadium on Tuesday.

Mohammad Al-Hallaq opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, converting an assist from Zakaria Hannan to give Syria an early lead in a match that had no impact on the Group E standings.

Having already secured qualification to the next round with four consecutive wins, Syria rotated their squad to give new players valuable international experience.

The second half saw the visitors take full control. Al-Hallaq scored again in the 48th minute, before Yassin Samiah added a third in the 79th minute, assisted by Mahmoud Al Mawas. 

In injury time, Alaa Al Dali and Samiah added two more goals, with assists from Hasan Dahan and Anas Dahhan, sealing a comprehensive 5-0 win.

Syria had also defeated Pakistan 2-0 in the first leg back in March, maintaining their upper hand over the South Asian side.

For Pakistan, the loss highlighted ongoing struggles in Group E, where they remain at the bottom behind Myanmar and Afghanistan.

The 2027 AFC Asian Cup, Asia’s 19th edition of the premier men’s football tournament, will be held in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, featuring 24 national teams following the tournament’s expansion in 2019.

Published in Geo Super, 18 November 2025

The News, 19 November 2025 adds:

Syria run riot, beat Pakistan 5-0 in Asia Cup Qualifier

ISLAMABAD: Ruthless, relentless and razor-sharp, Syria tore through Pakistan with a second-half storm to seal a thumping 5-0 victory in the AFC Asia Cup qualifying round clash at Jinnah Stadium on Tuesday.

Pakistan began spiritedly but the game turned into a one-sided contest after the break. Pakistan, who had matched Syria stride for stride early on and even created two promising chances, failed to maintain the intensity. Once the second half kicked off, Syria shifted gears with clinical precision, unleashing wave after wave of attacks that Pakistan simply could not withstand.

The Green Shirts’ defensive wall crumbled under pressure, exposing glaring gaps at the back, while the midfield offered little resistance, struggling to retain possession or spark any meaningful forward movement. The final quarter of the game proved disastrous as Pakistan conceded three goals in just 15 minutes, turning a manageable deficit into a heavy defeat.

Mohammad Alhallak opened the scoring in the 34th minute and doubled the lead moments after the restart, giving Syria full control. Samia hammered the final nails with a late brace, striking first in the 79th minute and again deep into stoppage time. Al Dali’s fierce drive in the 90th minute added further misery for Pakistan, sealing Syria’s emphatic win.

Pakistan Head Coach Nolberto Solano admitted his side fell far below their potential.

“We lacked exposure, cohesion and competitive sharpness,” he said after the match. “The first half was encouraging, but we completely lost our shape in the second. To challenge top Asian teams, we need more international activity and regular domestic development.”

With this result, Pakistan remain winless in Pool E, having only managed two draws against Afghanistan. They sit at the bottom of the standings, while Syria advance to the next round with an unblemished record, a testament to their discipline and dominance.

Syrian Head Coach Jose Maria Lana Farnandez praised the maturity and hunger of his young squad.

“Our boys showed consistency from start to finish,” he said. “Their persistence and control throughout the game reflect the progress this team is making. Keeping a hundred percent record is a proud moment for us.”