KEY POINTS
- Otis Khan missed a second-half penalty as Pakistan were held to a 0-0 draw
- Both teams earned their first point in Group ‘E’, trailing Syria and Myanmar by five points
ISLAMABAD: Otis Khan missed a crucial second-half penalty as Pakistan were held to a 0-0 draw by Afghanistan at the Jinnah Stadium on Thursday, earning their first point in the third round of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
In front of a passionate home crowd, Pakistan created the better chances throughout the match, but were unable to convert them into goals.
Khan’s missed spot-kick midway through the second half proved to be the defining moment, as his shot sailed over the crossbar, denying the home side a golden opportunity to take the lead.
Nolberto Solano’s men looked sharper and more composed than their Afghan counterparts, who arrived in Islamabad less than 24 hosurs before kickoff after facing extended visa delays.
The visitors appeared fatigued and struggled to get into rhythm, but held firm defensively to secure their first point of the campaign.
🇵🇰 Pakistan 0 – 0 Afghanistan 🇦🇫
A hard-fought battle till the final whistle.
Both teams gave it their all pic.twitter.com/1NbQ1DBllS— Pakistan Football Federation (@TheRealPFF) October 9, 2025
The result sees both teams get off the mark in Group ‘E’, now sitting on one point each. They trail joint-leaders Syria and Myanmar, who were set to face off later on Thursday, with both sides having secured maximum points from their opening two matches.
Only the top team from the group will advance to the AFC Asian Cup finals, to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027.
With three matches remaining, Pakistan and Afghanistan will need to quickly find form if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.
