Thailand outclass Pakistan in FIFA ASEAN Cup opener
BANDUNG: Pakistan’s historic debut in the FIFA ASEAN Cup ended in a harsh reality check on Saturday as a clinical Thailand side secured a 4-0 victory in their Division 1 Group 'B' opener at the Stadion Si Jalak Harupat. Facing an opponent ranked 105 places above them in the official FIFA standings, Nolberto Solano’s side displayed initial resilience and structure before Thailand’s superior offensive quality proved decisive. Teerasak Poeiphimai delivered a masterclass in finishing, bagging a hat-trick alongside a clinical strike from Jude-Bell Soonsup.Resilient Start Undone by Late First-Half LapsePakistan began the encounter disciplined and compact, maintaining a tight defensive block throughout a cagey opening half-hour. Defensive highlights were frequent early on, with Mohibullah executing a crucial interception and Ali Raza delivering a perfectly timed sliding challenge inside the box.Pakistan managed sporadic counter-attacks—most notably when Ali Akbar initiated a promising break down the flank, though Ali Uzair’s subsequent attempt was promptly blocked by the Thai defense. Goalkeeper Yousuf Butt produced a stunning acrobatic save at the 30-minute mark to keep the scores level. However, his efforts were in vain moments later when another solid stop fell directly into the path of Poeiphimai, who tucked away the rebound to break the deadlock. The War Elephants doubled their lead 10 minutes later following an uncharacteristic defensive error. Captain Abdullah Iqbal’s misplaced pass allowed Thailand to mount a rapid counter, culminating in Jude-Bell Soonsup smashing home from close range. Thailand appeared to have added a third shortly before the interval, but the strike was ruled out for offside. Seeking greater urgency and ball retention, head coach Solano made a triple substitution at the break, bringing on Shayek Dost, Hayyan Khattak, and Alamgir Ghazi for Ali Raza, Ali Agha, and Abdullah Shah. The adjustments temporarily revitalized the team, with full-backs Mohammad Fazal and Haris Ali Zeb pressing higher up the pitch to create width.Despite Pakistan's improved intent, Thailand struck again on the hour mark. Poeiphimai produced a moment of individual brilliance, launching a looping volley past Butt to make it 3-0. Pakistan attempted a swift response through Abdul Samad Arshad, whose long-range effort whistled inches past the upright. Solano introduced veteran striker Kaleemullah Khan late in the match to bolster the attack, but Pakistan’s momentum waned. A defensive misunderstanding six minutes from full-time allowed Poeiphimai to complete his hat-trick with a composed side-footed dink over the keeper. The defeat leaves Pakistan at the bottom of Group 'B', requiring an immediate tactical regroup ahead of their crucial second match against the Philippines on Tuesday.
