Pakistan falls to Myanmar in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Myanmar defeated Pakistan 1-0 today in the Group E clash of the ongoing AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon.

The only goal of the match was scored by Than Paing in the 42nd minute of the first half. However, Pakistan was unlucky that they ended up conceding it since there was a clear offside in the leadup to that goal.

Pakistan created few half chances in the second half but they were not enough to provide a breakthrough for the visitors.

Pakistan captain Abdullah Iqbal said that he was unhappy with the team's performance, especially in the first half.

"To be honest, I'm very disappointed especially with the first half. I think we didn't live up to the expectations, especially the defensive play. We let the whole nation down, I want to apologize to the fans for the first half," said Iqbal after the match.

Pakistan had also lost their first match in the Asian Cup Qualifiers after going down 2-0 against Syria back in March.

Meanwhile, this is Myanmar’s second win in as many matches having beaten Afghanistan 2-1 in their previous group stage encounter.

Initially, Pakistan was supposed to host Myanmar for today’s match but both nations had agreed on a re-adjustment which meant that Pakistan will now host Myanmar for its return leg in Islamabad on March 31, 2026.

Both countries had reached this mutual understanding because of the PFF elections which were held on May 27 in Lahore.

Pakistan’s next match in the ongoing AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers will be against Afghanistan on October 9. On the other hand, Myanmar will face Syria on the same day.

Afghanistan will face Syria in the other Group E clash later today at the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium in Hofuf, Saudi Arabia.