Pakistan takes on Myanmar in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in bid to stop losing streak

Pakistan men’s national football team is gearing up for a massive fixture against Myanmar in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers which will be played on the 10^th of June.

Initially confirmed as a home fixture, the game was moved to Myanmar amid the historic elections held for the Pakistan Football Federation.

This will be Pakistan’s second game of the group stage after a 2-0 defeat to Syria in March. The group also features Afghanistan, which will be facing Syria in the other game on the same day.

Despite a winless streak of seven games since the historic Cambodia win in Islamabad in October 2023, Stephen Constantine will be hoping for an improved result against Myanmar, who sit in 162^nd position in the latest FIFA rankings. Pakistan, meanwhile, are at 198.

Team news

Stephen Constantine announced a provisional 27-man squad for the game, including call ups for Ali Shah and Rayan Muhammad as the newest diaspora members for the training camp. However, Aberdeen-based forward Rayan Muhammad faced an injury setback and was ruled out of the game.

Saddam Hussain and Easah Suliman are still recovering from their injuries and will be missing the fixture, while Otis Khan continues to be out of the team over a disciplinary issue with the coach.

Abdullah Iqbal, who is in hot form in his domestic season, is expected to captain the team again, while Adeel Younis also makes a comeback from injury.

Pakistan’s tactical shape

Stephen Constantine, who is now supported by Marco Bielsa’s former analyst at Leeds United, Hector Alamos, as Pakistan’s assistant coach and performance analyst, will likely be fielding a defensive shape with 5 at the back and a three-man midfield.

Yousaf Butt is expected to take the place between the sticks while Abdullah Iqbal, Waqar Baloch and Haseeb Khan will join Muhammad Fazal and Omer Hayat at the back. Alamgir Ghazi, who in fine form in the Bhutanese league, is expected to start alongside Rahis Nabi and Ali Uzair in the midfield, while Fareedullah and Adeel Younis are expected to start up front.

Stephen will be relying heavily on the hold-up play of Fareedullah to ease spaces for his teammates in the final third, as his ability to protect the ball against defences will be key. Muhammad Fazal’s bursting runs on the left side will be a consistent threat to Myanmar, while Alamgir Ghazi will be key with his precision passes.

Myanmar’s tactical blueprint

Myanmar started the preparations for the game on 23^rd May after announcing a provisional 31-man squad for the game, which is expected to be trimmed down before the game.

Myanmar started the group with a surprising 2-1 win against Afghanistan at home, which was their second win in the last five games. Myanmar usually lines up a 4-1-4-1 formation with Than Piang upfront leading the attack.

The back four is expected to be completed by Nanda Kyaw, Htet Aung, Soe Moe, and Phyo Win, while the midfield anchor will be provided by Muang Lwin and Moe Aung. Muang Lwin, particularly, has enjoyed an impressive season, including scoring a recent winner against Manchester United for the All-ASEAN Stars team in Malaysia.

Myanmar plays with high and quick full-backs, which may lead to opportunities for Pakistani wingers in defensive transitions, but their attacking threat will be difficult for Pakistan, especially on quick counters.

Similarly, Maung Lwin’s creativity will be a major challenge for Pakistan as he will be a key man to unlock defences for Myanmar with his creative genius.

The verdict

Despite a tough round of fixtures ever since Constantine took charge, the team has shown improved performances against quality opposition. The Shaheens are expected to give a tough test to Myanmar away from home and will be looking for their first points of the qualifiers.

The game is set to be played on 10^th June at 03:30 pm (Pakistan Standard Time) at the Thuwunna Stadium, Myanmar.