Pakistan maintained their advantage until the interval after a promising first-half display.

Pakistan’s maiden FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign ended in a 4-2 defeat against Vietnam on Friday, despite taking an early lead in an encouraging first-half performance at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

Pakistan took the lead through Mohibullah Afridi in the 31st minute, but Vietnam scored twice within seven minutes of the second half to turn the match around. Two further goals secured victory for Vietnam, despite a late response from veteran forward Kaleemullah Khan.

Head coach Nolberto Solano’s side needed a victory to keep their semi-final hopes alive but finished fourth in Division I Group B with one point from three matches.

Mohibullah Afridi Gives Pakistan the Lead

Pakistan started confidently and created several scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. Ali Akbar Khan saw an early effort blocked after combining with Abdul Samad Shahzad, while Shayek Dost headed wide in the fifth minute.

Vietnam gradually settled into the contest and tested Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt with a deflected effort. However, Pakistan kept threatening through Ali Akbar and Abdul Samad.

Their pressure paid off in the 31st minute when Mohibullah Afridi dispossessed a Vietnam centre-back, advanced towards goal and calmly placed the ball beneath goalkeeper Patrik Giang Le.

Pakistan maintained their advantage until the interval after a promising first-half display.

Vietnam Score Twice to Turn the Match Around

Vietnam responded strongly after the break, equalising in the 50th minute through Long Hai Nguyen. Receiving a through ball on the left, he cut inside before firing past Yousuf Butt.

Seven minutes later, Duc Hoang Nguyen completed the turnaround by converting a cutback with a first-time finish to put Vietnam 2-1 ahead.

Pakistan attempted to respond, but Abdul Samad Shahzad saw another effort blocked, while Umar Nawaz headed over from a cross.

Vietnam extended their lead in the 80th minute when Bac Dinh Nguyen raced onto a long ball and fired into the net to make it 3-1.

Kaleemullah Khan Scores Late Goal for Pakistan

Pakistan continued to fight and reduced the deficit two minutes before full-time. Ali Akbar Khan’s shot travelled through a crowded penalty area before veteran forward Kaleemullah Khan supplied the decisive touch to make it 3-2.

However, Pakistan could not find an equaliser. Bac Dinh Nguyen subsequently set up Hoang Minh Williams for Vietnam’s fourth goal, sealing the 4-2 victory.

The result ended Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals in their first FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign.

Pakistan Finish Fourth in Division I Group B

Pakistan finished fourth in Division I Group B with one point, behind Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Solano’s side opened the campaign with a 4-0 defeat against Thailand before recovering from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with the Philippines.

The draw against the Philippines earned Pakistan their only point of the competition. Despite taking the lead against Vietnam and showing attacking promise in the first half, Pakistan could not secure the win needed to extend their campaign.

Vietnam finished second in the group behind Thailand, while the Philippines secured third place.