BANDUNG – Pakistan recovered from a two-goal half-time deficit to draw 2-2 with the Philippines in Group B of the FIFA ASEAN Cup, securing a notable result against a side ranked substantially higher in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking.
The Falcons appeared to be heading towards a comfortable defeat after the Philippines established a commanding advantage during the opening half in Bandung. Pakistan, however, produced a significant turnaround after the interval to claim a point.
The result has left the two teams with their hopes of progressing in the tournament under pressure, while providing Pakistan with a result of particular significance given their limited record of victories in major international competition.
Pakistan have won only one FIFA World Cup qualifier and five continental matches in their history. They entered the FIFA ASEAN Cup as one of the less-fancied sides and faced a Philippines team positioned 62 places above them in the world rankings.
The Philippines controlled much of the first half and created the clearer opportunities as Pakistan struggled to impose themselves on the contest.
Sandro Reyes opened the scoring in the 24th minute after a misplaced clearance by Mohib Ullah presented the Philippines with an opportunity inside the area. Reyes reacted quickly to finish from close range and put his side in front.
The Philippines doubled their advantage eight minutes later when Bjorn Kristensen converted a penalty in the 32nd minute. The forward’s latest goal continued his strong scoring record for the national team and gave the Philippines a 2-0 lead at the break.
The match was then interrupted by a storm affecting West Java, resulting in an extended half-time interval. When play resumed, Pakistan returned with a markedly different approach and reduced the deficit almost immediately.
Just 70 seconds into the second half, Muhammad Ali Akbar Khan collected a lofted pass from Pakistan captain Abdullah Iqbal before advancing and striking beyond the Philippines goalkeeper Kevin Mendoza.
The goal changed the momentum of the match, with Pakistan becoming more effective in attack and putting greater pressure on their opponents.
Their persistence brought an equaliser in the 62nd minute. Abdul Shahzad escaped two challenges before breaking into space and finishing past Mendoza at his near post to bring the scores level.
The goal also came on Mendoza’s 32nd birthday, adding an unusual detail to an increasingly tense second half for the Philippines.
With the Philippines having surrendered a two-goal advantage, coach Carles Cuadrat responded by making four substitutions in an attempt to regain control of the match.
The changes did not produce another goal, however, as Pakistan maintained the 2-2 scoreline through the remainder of the contest.
For Pakistan, the draw represents a significant result against an opponent with a considerably higher position in the world rankings. The comeback also highlighted the contrast between the two halves, with the Philippines controlling the first period before Pakistan dictated much of the momentum after the interval.
The point nevertheless leaves both teams facing a difficult position in Group B, with their prospects of challenging for the tournament title now dependent on the remaining results.
Pakistan’s performance will also provide the side with evidence that it can compete against more highly ranked opposition after being placed among the tournament’s outsiders.
The Philippines, meanwhile, will have to address how a two-goal advantage was overturned after appearing firmly in control before the interval. The final score ensured that neither side could take maximum points from the encounter.
