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

Pakistan started their FIFA Asean Cup journey with a 4-0 loss to Thailand at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia, on Saturday. Teerasak Poeiphimai scored twice for Thailand, while an own goal added to the Green Shirts' disappointing start. Pakistan, ranked 198th in the world and playing as a guest team, opted for a defensive approach in the early stages, with Mohibullah making a crucial interception and Ali Raza delivering a powerful sliding tackle.

Nolberto Solano's team managed to limit Thailand to long-range attempts, and goalkeeper Yousuf Butt made an impressive save in the half-time interval. However, Yousuf couldn't stop Teerasak Poeiphimai from scoring in the 31st minute, with the rebound converted by the Thai forward. Ten minutes later, Soonsup-Bell added a second goal after an error by Abdullah Iqbal, who failed to find a teammate.

Thailand extended their lead three minutes later, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Pakistan made three substitutions at halftime, including Shayek Dost, Hayyan Khattak, and Alamgir Ghazi, who added more energy to the team. The changes showed promise, with full-backs Mohammad Fazal and Haris Zeb pressing forward, but it wasn't enough to prevent Thailand from taking the lead.

In the second half, Thailand extended their advantage to 3-0, with Teerasak Poeiphimai scoring again in the 77th minute and Kakana Khamyok assisting. Pakistan struggled to clear their lines and missed a chance to equalize when Peeradol Chamrasamee played a pass forward, allowing Teerasak to score the fourth goal. Pakistan now faces the Philippines on September 29 and will conclude their group stage campaign against Vietnam on October 2.