Key Points
- Muhammad Mustafa opened scoring in 9th minute, giving Pakistan an early 1-0 lead.
- Abdul Samad and Muhammad Essa added goals, sealing a 3-1 victory over the hosts.
- Pakistan climb to third in Group B with two wins, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
BISHKEK: Pakistan continued their impressive run in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers on Monday, overpowering hosts Kyrgyz Republic 3-1 at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, thanks to goals from Muhammad Mustafa, Abdul Samad, and Muhammad Essa.
Pakistan strike early through Mustafa
The Green Shirts made a dream start as midfielder Muhammad Mustafa opened the scoring in the 9th minute. His powerful strike from outside the box went straight at Kyrgyz goalkeeper Daniel Kuluev, who misjudged the catch, allowing the ball to roll into the net and hand Pakistan a 1-0 lead.
Pakistan doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute when Kuluev rushed out of his box to clear a long ball, but completely mistimed his header. Abdul Samad reacted brilliantly, volleying the loose ball over the goalkeeper and into the net to make it 2-0.
Hosts pull one back, but Pakistan stay firm
Kyrgyz Republic reduced the deficit in the 65th minute after Artem Potorochin’s strike rebounded kindly for Ulukbek Ishenbaev, who calmly chipped the ball past Pakistani goalkeeper Samar Razzaq to make it 2-1.
Pakistan restored their two-goal cushion in the 83rd minute. Muhammad Abdullah made a dazzling run down the flank before setting up Muhammad Essa at the edge of the box. Essa smashed a precise shot into the top corner, sealing a clinical 3-1 win.
Pakistan climb to third in Group B
The victory marks Pakistan’s second consecutive win in the qualifiers, following their dominant performance against Cambodia in the opening match on Saturday. With two wins from two, Pakistan now sit third in Group B—level on points with Laos and Yemen but trailing on goal difference.
Pakistan’s strong start keeps their qualification hopes alive as they head into the remaining matches with momentum on their side.
