Vientiane, Laos: Islamic Republic of Iran edged Pakistan 1-0 in their AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027™ Qualifiers Group D tie on Wednesday.
Iran took the lead in the ninth minute after Yasan Jafarimarjaghal exchanged passes with Amir Mohammad Zarei before the forward broke into the box and slotted past Pakistan goalkeeper Samer Razzaq.
The Central Asian side came close to extending their lead in the 18th minute from a set-piece, but Kiyarash Shahbazi failed to connect to Zarei’s looping delivery into the box with Razzaq intercepting the cross.
Iran thought they had doubled their advantage on the hour-mark when Razzaq spilled Sobhan Shahryari’s cross into the path of Zarei, who struck a powerful shot into the roof of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Another chance went begging in the 88th minute when Aliasghar Naderi broke through the Pakistan defence and beat Razzaq, before squaring the ball to Seyedradin Mirnezhaddarzi, who squandered the chance from close range.
Pakistan, who defeated Sri Lanka 3-1 in their opener, created a handful of chances in the second half but could not find an equaliser. The South Asian could only keep Iran at bay in the closing stages as the Central Asian side registered their first win.
Pakistan U17s now face Group D hosts Laos on November 14 followed by Jordan on November 20.
Published in the-afc.com, 11 November 2026
