Jakarta, October 2,2026: Pakistan’s FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign ended with a 4-2 defeat against Vietnam on Friday, although the Green shirts produced a spirited performance against a side ranked 99 places above them in the FIFA rankings.
Pakistan took the lead through a superb first-half goal from Mohibullah after dominating much of the opening 45 minutes.
Mohibullah capitalised on a defensive mistake in the 31st minute, dispossessing a Vietnam centre-back before calmly slotting the ball under goalkeeper Patrik Giang Le.
Pakistan had started brightly, with Ali Akbar Khan seeing an early effort blocked after combining with Abdul Samad Shahzad, while Shayek Dost headed wide in the fifth minute.
The Greenshirts continued to enjoy possession and create openings, with Abdul Samad also testing the Vietnamese defence before having an effort saved.
Vietnam gradually grew into the contest, but Pakistan maintained their defensive shape and went into half-time with a deserved lead.
Pakistan head coach Nolberto Solano introduced Alamgir Ghazi and Umer Nawaz at the start of the second half in place of Ali Agha and Shayek.
Vietnam, however, responded strongly after the break.
Long Hai Nguyen equalised in the 50th minute after receiving a through ball on the left, cutting inside and firing past Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt.
Duc Hoang Nguyen then completed Vietnam’s turnaround seven minutes later, striking a cutback first time to put his side 2-1 ahead.
Pakistan continued to threaten, with Abdul Samad Shahzad having another effort blocked before being replaced by Abdul Samad Khan.
Vietnam extended their lead in the 80th minute when Bac Dinh Nguyen raced onto a long ball and fired into the net.
Pakistan reduced the deficit in the 88th minute when Ali Akbar’s shot through a crowded penalty area received a decisive touch from veteran Kaleemullah Khan.
The Greenshirts pushed for an equaliser, but Vietnam sealed victory in the closing stages when Bac Dinh Nguyen set up Hoang Minh Williams, who scored the fourth goal.
Vietnam finished second in Division I Group B behind Thailand, while the Philippines finished third. Pakistan ended their maiden FIFA competition campaign with one point after drawing 2-2 with the Philippines in their previous match.
