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Pakistan earn first-ever FIFA competition point in 2-2 draw against Philippines

Nolberto Solano’s men fought back from 2-0 down, courtesy of goals from Ali Akbar Khan and Abdul Samad Arshad

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Pakistan earn first-ever FIFA competition point in 2-2 draw against Philippines

Pakistan now have one point from two games and sit fourth in Group B of Division 1.

PFF

Goals from Ali Akbar Khan and Abdul Samad Arshad sparked a remarkable comeback as Pakistan recovered from a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw against the Philippines in the FIFA ASEAN Cup on Tuesday.

Coming off a 4-0 defeat to Thailand in their Division 1 Group B opener, Norberto Solano’s side showed a marked improvement, delivering the kind of response the head coach had called for ahead of the game.

Ranked 198th in the world, Pakistan came under early pressure from the 136th-ranked Philippines, with their defence forced to deal with a series of crosses.

The Philippines broke the deadlock in the 24th minute through a scrappy goal. Mohibullah managed to get a header but Sandro Reyes reacted quickest to the rebound and bundled the ball into the net.

Pakistan created their first clear chance moments later when Ali Akbar broke through the Philippines defence, only for goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza to make a diving save.

Philippines then doubled their lead two minutes after the half-hour mark after Mohammad Fazal was penalised for handball inside the box, with Bjorn Kristensen making it 2-0 from the penalty spot.

The Green Shirts fight back

Solano responded with two changes at half-time, bringing on Ali Agha and Hayyan Khattak for Alamgir and Umar Nawaz. Pakistan pulled one back just two minutes after the restart.

Abdullah Iqbal released Ali Akbar down the left, and the forward weaved past a defender before firing through Mendoza’s legs to make it 2-1.

Pakistan completed the comeback soon after. Abdul Samad Arshad won possession on the right, drove into the box and cut inside before finding the far side of the net for his second international goal.

The Philippines continued to threaten on the counter, but Mohibullah produced an important block from close range to keep Pakistan level.

With Pakistan fans urging the team forward from the stands, the Green Shirts pushed for a late winner, but the Philippines held firm to secure a 2-2 draw.

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