BANDUNG, Indonesia: Pakistan produced a remarkable second-half comeback to draw 2-2 with the Philippines in the FIFA ASEAN Cup on Tuesday, overcoming a two-goal deficit to claim their first-ever point and goals in a FIFA competition.
What a goal by Abdul Samad
Pure classs
198th-ranked Pakistan held 135th-ranked Philippines to a 2-2 draw in the FIFA Asean Cup#fifaaseancup #fifa #pak pic.twitter.com/HjImAFazCu— Taimoor Kayani (@Taimoor092) September 29, 2026
Ranked 198th in the world, Pakistan struggled under early pressure from the 136th-ranked Philippines and conceded twice in the opening half. However, the national side responded strongly after the break, with Ali Akbar Khan scoring his first international goal before Abdul Samad Arshad completed the comeback.
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Philippines take control in first half
The Philippines dominated the early exchanges, repeatedly testing Pakistan’s defence with crosses and attacking moves. Goalkeeper Yousuf Butt also produced an important save to deny Andre Leipold in a one-on-one situation.
The Philippines eventually broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when Sandro Reyes reacted quickest after Mohibullah Afridi turned a header onto the crossbar.
Pakistan had a chance to equalise shortly afterwards when Ali Akbar Khan broke through the defence, but his effort was stopped by goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza.
The Philippines doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark when Mohammad Fazal was penalised for handball inside the box. Bjorn Kristensen converted the resulting penalty to make it 2-0.
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Pakistan Complete Stunning Comeback
Head coach Nolberto Solano made two changes at half-time, bringing on Ali Agha and Hayyan Khattak, and Pakistan immediately showed a more attacking approach.
Just two minutes into the second half, captain Abdullah Iqbal found Ali Akbar on the left. The forward beat a defender before firing through Mendoza’s legs to reduce the deficit.
Pakistan continued pressing for an equaliser and were rewarded in the 60th minute when Abdul Samad Arshad won possession on the right, drove into the penalty area and cut inside before sending the ball past Mendoza to make it 2-2.
History made, and in some style.
Pakistan fought back from two goals down to make it 2–2, earning a point in the process.
The two goals we scored tonight are the first two goals scored by the Men’s National Team in a FIFA tournament in our history.
A night to remember. 🇵🇰🦅 pic.twitter.com/coZKj1xn2L
— Pakistan Football Federation (@TheRealPFF) September 29, 2026
Pakistan introduced Abdul Rehman and Abdul Samad Khan for their international debuts as Solano’s side continued searching for a winning goal.
The Philippines also threatened on the counter, but Mohibullah produced another important defensive intervention to block a close-range attempt.
🏆 FIFA ASEAN CUP 2026 — Division 1
Group B Standings after matchday 2.
FT: Philippines 🇵🇭 2️⃣-2️⃣ 🇵🇰 Pakistan
FT: Thailand 🇹🇭 2️⃣-0️⃣ 🇻🇳 Vietnam
—–#FIFAASEANCup #ASEANCup2026 #ASEANFootball #AFN pic.twitter.com/mVCvVMuVta— ASEAN Football News (@theafndotcom) September 29, 2026
Pakistan, backed by a strong contingent of supporters in the stands, continued to push for a third goal, but the Philippines held on to secure a share of the points.
The result marked a significant turnaround for Pakistan after their 4-0 defeat to Thailand in their Division I Group B opener.
