Pakistan faced a demanding day at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan, taking on South Sudan and Cyprus in two fixtures that offered valuable experience against international opposition.
In their first match, the Shaheens suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against South Sudan, but produced a spirited second-half performance against a physically imposing side.
The opening exchanges were evenly contested, but South Sudan gradually gained control as the first half progressed. Their breakthrough came after winning possession and moving the ball forward with quick, direct passes. Finding space behind the Pakistani defence, their striker unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner.
Pakistan responded strongly after the break, taking the game to their opponents with greater pace, technical quality and sharper combinations. The Shaheens created pressure and forced the South Sudan goalkeeper into a series of saves as they searched for an equaliser. South Sudan had the ball in the net again, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Despite Pakistan’s sustained attacking efforts, the equaliser proved elusive. Nevertheless, the second-half display demonstrated the team’s ability to challenge physically stronger opposition and offered encouragement for the fixtures ahead.
Pakistan then faced Cyprus in their second match of the day, with set pieces proving a major challenge. Cyprus opened the scoring with a free-kick from the left before doubling their lead with another free-kick from outside the penalty area. The second effort took a deflection on its way to goal, leaving the Pakistan goalkeeper unable to stop it.
Cyprus continued to apply pressure, pressing aggressively off the ball and moving quickly into space when in possession. Pakistan struggled to build attacks out of their own half, with their players frequently closed down as they tried to advance.
Cyprus added a third when their central striker held the ball up well, turned his marker and finished with a well-placed shot past the goalkeeper. Their fourth goal came from the penalty spot following a scramble inside the penalty area.
The two matches presented contrasting challenges for Pakistan. Against South Sudan, the Shaheens showed resilience and attacking intent after the break; against Cyprus, they faced difficulties dealing with aggressive pressing and a series of dangerous set-piece situations.
The double-header provided the young Pakistani side with valuable exposure to the demands of international competition, highlighting areas to build on as well as aspects of their game that will require further improvement during their World Cup campaign.
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