Phnom Penh( The COW News Digital) Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Iraq in the AFC U23 Asia Cup Qualifiers, losing 8-1 in a one-sided match that showcased Iraq’s attacking prowess. The match, held in Cambodia, saw Pakistan struggle to contain a dominant Iraqi side, despite moments of resilience in the first half.
The game began competitively, with Pakistan showing some promising play. However, Iraq quickly took control and managed to secure a 1-0 lead by halftime. Pakistani players fought hard but could not capitalize on their chances, leaving the team trailing going into the second half.
The second half began with Pakistan showing determination. In the 61st minute, Pakistani forward Mikail Abdullah converted a penalty, narrowing the scoreline to 2-1 and giving the team a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, Iraq’s relentless attack proved overwhelming. The Iraqi side dominated possession, executed precise passes, and broke through Pakistan’s defense repeatedly, scoring seven more goals in the second half alone.
Iraq’s offensive display highlighted their tactical discipline and sharp finishing, leaving Pakistan unable to respond. The final whistle confirmed Iraq’s emphatic 8-1 victory, with Pakistan’s lone goal coming from Mikail Abdullah.
Pakistan now faces the challenge of regrouping as they prepare for their second match in the tournament against Cambodia, scheduled for September 6. Analysts have pointed out that the team must improve its defensive organization and capitalize on scoring opportunities to stay competitive in the qualifiers.
Despite the heavy loss, Pakistan’s coaching staff emphasized the importance of learning from the experience. “Every match provides lessons,” said the head coach, “and we will focus on improving our performance for the upcoming games.”
The defeat serves as a wake-up call for Pakistan’s U23 squad as they aim to secure a spot in the prestigious AFC U23 Asia Cup. Fans hope that the team can recover quickly and show a stronger performance in the next fixture.
Pakistan will need tactical adjustments, improved teamwork, and mental resilience to compete effectively in the remaining matches of the tournament.
