Pakistan look forward to ‘big test’ as Thailand loom in FIFA Asean Cup opener

Pakistan looks set for a significant challenge in their opening match of the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup against Thailand. Head coach Nolberto Solano sees the tournament as an opportunity for his team to gauge themselves against some of Asia's stronger footballing nations. The Group B Division One opener is scheduled for 4:00pm local time at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, with Pakistan facing off against Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam in the coming weeks.

Solano emphasized the importance of this match, stating, "We want to use this opportunity to test ourselves against teams like Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam. It's an honour to be here and we know it will be a tough competition."

The disparity in FIFA rankings between the two teams highlights the daunting nature of the upcoming match. Thailand currently sits at 94th place, while Pakistan is ranked 198th. The Philippines and Vietnam are ranked 135th and 113th respectively. Solano acknowledged that all opponents will pose a formidable challenge, citing the growing strength of Asian football.

The Pakistan squad has undergone a summer of encouraging performances, including winning the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives. This is Pakistan's first standalone tournament victory, following a long period without success in such events. The ASEAN Cup, however, presents a more formidable challenge as it includes teams from across Asia, not just Southeast Asia.

Thailand's squad features several seasoned players, including Chanathip Songkrasin, Supachok Sarachat, and Jude Soonsup-Bell, all of whom are known for their contributions to the national team. Pakistan, on the other hand, has assembled a diverse group of players, combining local talent with overseas-based footballers. Captain Abdullah Iqbal leads the side, alongside experienced forward Kaleemullah and defender Easah Suliman.

The tournament, being the first edition of the FIFA ASEAN Cup, involves 14 teams across 11 ASEAN members and guest participants. Pakistan will compete in the Division One group stage, facing stronger opponents in Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, with the aim of proving themselves on the international stage.