Pakistan open FIFA Asean Cup campaign with 4-0 defeat against Thailand

Pakistan open FIFA Asean Cup campaign with 4-0 defeat against Thailand.

Key points

• Dawn Sport Published September 26, 2026 Updated September 27, 2026 12: 38am.
• Pakistan entered the tournament on the back of winning the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives earlier this year, their first title in 74 years.
• Solano's side face the Philippines on Sept 29 before their final group-stage fixture against Vietnam on Oct 2.
• Thailand's second arrived ten minutes afterwards after captain Abdullah Iqbal's misplaced pass led to a quick burst that concluded with Soonsup-Bell slamming home from close range.
• Pakistan failed to clear their lines, Peeradol Chamrasamee played the ball forward, and a smart touch from Kakana Khamyok played the forward onside.

Dawn Sport Published September 26, 2026 Updated September 27, 2026 12: 38am. Join our Whatsapp Channel. Add Dawn as a trusted source.

As Teerasak Poeiphimai struck twice and an own goal compounded the Green Shirts' chastening introduction to the tournament, pakistan opened their FIFA Asean Cup campaign with a 4-0 defeat to Thailand at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia, on Saturday.

Pakistan, ranked 198th in the world and competing as a guest side, defended in numbers during a cagey opening half hour.

Mohibullah produced a brilliant interception, and Ali Raza created a superb sliding tackle as Nolberto Solano's men restricted Thailand to long-range efforts, with goalkeeper Yousuf Butt making a fine save on the half-hour mark.

When he saved a header from Jude Soonsup-Bell only for Teerasak to tuck in the rebound and open the scoring in the 31st minute, yousuf was powerless moments afterwards, even so.

Thailand had the ball in the net again three minutes afterwards, but the effort was ruled offside.

Pakistan needed inspiration, and coach Nolberto Solano created three substitutions at halftime, with Shayek Dost, Hayyan Khattak and Alamgir Ghazi coming on for Ali Raza, Ali Agha and Abdullah Shah.

For context, the changes brought more enterprise, with full-backs Mohammad Fazal and Haris Zeb making forward runs, and Pakistan began the second half brightly, keeping possession and threatening without making a decisive move.

Thailand gradually grew back into the half and scored their third on the hour mark. Teerasak played a one-two with Supachai Chaided before his left-footed volley deflected off Haris Zeb and looped over goalkeeper Yousuf into the net.

Abdul Samad Arshad attempted a curler from outside the box but missed the target as Pakistan tried to respond, and veteran Kaleemullah Khan was brought on with 19 minutes to go.

At the 77th minute mark, Thailand missed a golden chance to extend their lead when a grounded cross came in from the left, but the forward completely missed the ball with only Yousuf to beat.

Teerasak completed his brace six minutes from time. Pakistan failed to clear their lines, Peeradol Chamrasamee played the ball forward, and a smart touch from Kakana Khamyok played the forward onside.

Teerasak placed the ball smartly past the goalkeeper to seal the victory.

In short, pakistan open FIFA Asean Cup campaign with 4 is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.