Pakistan’s FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign came to an end with a 4-2 defeat against Vietnam at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Friday. Despite the result, Pakistan produced a strong first-half performance and briefly took the lead through Mohibullah. The Greenshirts had shown resilience in their previous match as well, coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 against the Philippines. Against Vietnam, they again created opportunities and competed for long periods against a team ranked 99 places higher in the FIFA rankings. Vietnam eventually turned the game around after the break, with Long Hai Nguyen, Duc Hoang Nguyen, and Bac Dinh Nguyen putting them ahead before Kaleemullah Khan scored late for Pakistan. Hoang Minh Williams then added Vietnam’s fourth goal. Vietnam finished second in Division I Group B behind Thailand, while the Philippines placed third and Pakistan ended their maiden FIFA competition campaign with one point.
Pakistan Starts Brightly Against Vietnam
Pakistan entered the final Group B fixture knowing they needed a victory to keep their hopes of reaching the bronze-medal match alive.
Nolberto Solano’s side started with purpose and controlled much of the opening period. Their attacking movement caused Vietnam problems, particularly through Ali Akbar Khan and Abdul Samad Shahzad operating in the wide areas.
In the opening minutes, Ali Akbar combined with Abdul Samad before breaking into the box. His effort, however, was blocked.
Pakistan continued to threaten, and Shayek Dost produced another early opportunity when he headed wide following good midfield work.
Vietnam gradually settled into the match and began creating chances of their own. Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt was forced to react quickly to a deflected attempt.
However, Pakistan maintained their attacking intent and continued to find space through the flanks.
Mohibullah Gives Pakistan the Lead
Pakistan’s pressure finally produced a breakthrough in the 31st minute.
Mohibullah pressed aggressively and forced a Vietnamese center-back into a mistake. After winning possession, he remained composed inside the area and placed the ball underneath goalkeeper Patrik Giang Le.
The goal gave Pakistan a deserved advantage and rewarded their energetic approach during the opening half.
Abdul Samad also tested the Vietnam goalkeeper before the interval, while Vietnam looked for an equalizer.
Hoang Minh Williams came close late in the first half, but his shot went into the side netting.
Pakistan therefore went into halftime with a 1-0 lead after a disciplined and energetic opening 45 minutes. (Dawn)
Vietnam Turns the Game Around After Half-Time
Solano made two changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Alamgir Ghazi and Umer Nawaz for Ali Agha and Shayek.
The changes were intended to help Pakistan maintain their strong performance, but Vietnam quickly increased the pressure.
The equalizer arrived in the 50th minute.
Long Hai Nguyen received a through ball down the left side before cutting inside and firing beyond Yousuf Butt.
The goal changed the momentum of the match.
Just seven minutes later, Vietnam completed their comeback. Another attacking move created space for a cutback, which Duc Hoang Nguyen met with a first-time finish.
Vietnam had gone from trailing 1-0 to leading 2-1 within seven minutes.
Pakistan still refused to surrender. Abdul Samad Shahzad saw another effort blocked before he was replaced by Abdul Samad Khan.
The substitute immediately became involved in Pakistan’s attacking play. His cross created another opportunity, but Umar headed over the crossbar.
Bac Dinh Nguyen Extends Vietnam’s Advantage
Pakistan’s efforts to find an equalizer left spaces that Vietnam could exploit.
In the 80th minute, Bac Dinh Nguyen raced onto a long ball and finished past Yousuf Butt to make it 3-1.
The goal appeared to put the result beyond Pakistan, but Solano’s side continued fighting.
Pakistan had already demonstrated their resilience against the Philippines when they recovered from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw.
They produced another late attacking push against Vietnam.
Kaleemullah Gives Pakistan Late Hope
Pakistan reduced the deficit in the 88th minute.
Ali Akbar’s effort travelled through a crowded area before veteran forward Kaleemullah Khan got the decisive touch.
At 3-2, Pakistan had a brief opportunity to search for another late goal.
The Greenshirts pushed forward, hoping to produce another dramatic comeback.
However, Vietnam responded quickly.
Bac Dinh Nguyen supplied the pass for Hoang Minh Williams, who finished to make it 4-2 and effectively settle the contest.
Vietnam held on for the victory and secured second place in Group B behind Thailand. (Geo News)
Pakistan Finish Their Maiden FIFA Competition With One Point
The defeat ended Pakistan’s first FIFA competition campaign with one point.
Their final Group B record included a 4-0 defeat against Thailand, a 2-2 draw against the Philippines, and the 4-2 loss to Vietnam. The draw against the Philippines was particularly notable because Pakistan came back from two goals behind to earn their first point in a FIFA competition. (Dawn)
Although the final result against Vietnam was disappointing, Pakistan showed that they could create opportunities against stronger opposition.
Their first-half display was particularly encouraging. They controlled possession for periods, created chances, and defended their lead until halftime.
The biggest challenge came after the interval, when Vietnam increased its attacking pressure and scored three goals before Pakistan’s late response.
Vietnam Secure Second Place in Group B
Vietnam’s victory confirmed their second-place finish in Division I Group B.
They recovered well after falling behind and produced a more effective second-half performance. Long Hai Nguyen’s equalizer was followed by Duc Hoang Nguyen’s goal seven minutes later, giving Vietnam control of the match.
Bac Dinh Nguyen then added the third before contributing to Williams’ late goal.
Vietnam therefore finished behind Thailand, while the Philippines ended third and Pakistan finished fourth with one point. (Dawn)
For Vietnam, the result provided a strong finish to their group campaign. For Pakistan, it marked the end of an important first appearance at a FIFA competition.
What Pakistan Can Take From the Campaign
Pakistan’s campaign provided several moments that the team can build on.
The comeback against the Philippines demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure. The first half against Vietnam showed that they could also compete for possession and create chances against a higher-ranked opponent.
Mohibullah’s goal was another positive moment. His pressing created the mistake that allowed Pakistan to take the lead, showing the potential value of aggressive defensive work in the attacking third.
Kaleemullah’s late goal also highlighted the importance of experienced players in difficult moments.
At the same time, the Vietnam match exposed areas that Pakistan will need to address. Maintaining concentration after halftime, defending against sustained attacking pressure and converting chances will remain important areas for future international fixtures.
The team also needs to turn promising performances into more consistent results.
Final Score and Match Summary
Vietnam 4-2 Pakistan
Pakistan goals: Mohibullah, 31′; Kaleemullah Khan, 88′
Vietnam goals: Long Hai Nguyen, 50′; Duc Hoang Nguyen, 57′; Bac Dinh Nguyen, 80′; Hoang Minh Williams, stoppage time
Venue: Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta
Competition: FIFA ASEAN Cup, Division I Group B
Result: Vietnam finished second in Group B, while Pakistan ended fourth with one point. (Dawn)
Pakistan may have ended their FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign without a victory, but their performances against the Philippines and Vietnam showed a side capable of competing in difficult situations. The 4-2 defeat in Jakarta will ultimately go down as the result that ended their campaign, but the fighting response and attacking moments offer useful lessons for the team’s next international challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the result between Pakistan and Vietnam?
Vietnam defeated Pakistan 4-2 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. Mohibullah and Kaleemullah Khan scored for Pakistan, while Long Hai Nguyen, Duc Hoang Nguyen, Bac Dinh Nguyen, and Hoang Minh Williams scored for Vietnam. (Dawn)
2. Who scored Pakistan’s goals against Vietnam?
Mohibullah scored Pakistan’s opening goal in the 31st minute. Veteran forward Kaleemullah Khan scored the second in the 88th minute to briefly reduce Vietnam’s lead to 3-2. (Geo News)
3. Where was Pakistan vs. Vietnam played?
The FIFA ASEAN Cup match was played at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Dawn)
4. How did Pakistan finish in Group B?
Pakistan finished at the bottom of Division I Group B with one point from three matches. Vietnam finished second behind Thailand, while the Philippines placed third. (Dawn)
5. What happened before Pakistan’s match against Vietnam?
Pakistan had drawn 2-2 with the Philippines in their previous Group B match after recovering from a two-goal deficit. That result gave Pakistan their first point in a FIFA competition and kept their hopes alive before the final match against Vietnam. (Geo News)
