The much-awaited AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifier between Pakistan and Afghanistan ended in a stalemate at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad on Thursday.
The Green Shirts started the match with intensity, launching regular attacks, but failed to break through the strong Afghan defense in the first half.
Afghanistan’s strong defensive set-up managed to deny Pakistan their chances.
Pakistan had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 67th minute when they were awarded a penalty. However, Otis Khan failed to capitalize, leaving the score unchanged.
Despite disappointment over the missed chances, fans applauded both teams for their spirited display in a hard-fought draw.
Pakistan’s Group E campaign got off to a rocky start, having suffered back-to-back defeats against Syria and Myanmar.
In their opening match on March 25, Pakistan lost 2-0 to Syria at the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium in Saudi Arabia.
Defender Ahmad Faqa opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, assisted by Amar Ramadan, and captain Omar Alsoma doubled the lead in the 56th minute.
Despite a resilient defensive effort, the men in green failed to contain the experienced Syrian camp.
The green shirts’ second match saw them lose 1–0 to Myanmar at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on 10 June.
Than Paing’s pinpoint free-kick in the 42nd minute proved decisive, as Pakistan struggled to find an equalizer despite late efforts, adopting a largely defensive approach against Myanmar’s dominance of possession.
After back-to-back defeats and a draw against Afghanistan, Pakistan will now travel to Kuwait for their next Group E match against the same opponents on October 14.
The top team from each group will earn a place in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which will take place in Saudi Arabia.
