BANDUNG (Indonesia): Pakistan fought back from two goals down to hold the Philippines to a 2-2 draw in the FIFA ASEAN Cup on Tuesday, earning their first point and scoring their first goals in their debut appearance in a FIFA competition.

The result was a stirring response to Pakistan’s 4-0 defeat by Thailand in their opening Group ‘B’ match and came against a Philippines side ranked 62 places above them in the FIFA rankings.

Sandro Reyes put the Philippines ahead in the 24th minute before Bjorn Kristensen doubled their advantage from the penalty spot eight minutes later. But Pakistan produced a vastly improved second-half display, with Ali Akbar Khan scoring his first international goal shortly after the restart before Abdul Samad Arshad completed the comeback in the 62nd minute.

Pakistan had been under pressure for much of the opening half at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, with goalkeeper Yousuf Butt keeping his side in the contest.

The hosts threatened early, but Pakistan’s defence repeatedly managed to clear the danger. Mohibullah Afridi threw himself in front of a low cross to concede a corner, while Yousuf denied Andre Leipold in a one-on-one situation.

The Philippines eventually broke through when Reyes reacted quickest after Mohibullah, stationed on the goal line, turned a header onto the crossbar. Reyes bundled the rebound over the line.

Pakistan almost responded immediately. Ali Akbar broke through the Philippines defence but his effort was kept out by a diving Kevin Mendoza.

The Philippines extended their lead in the 32nd minute after Mohammad Fazal was penalised for handball inside the box. Kristensen sent Yousuf the wrong way from the resulting penalty.

Pakistan continued to come under pressure before the interval, with Haris Zeb blocking a diving header and Yousuf making another important save. Pakistan’s best late opportunity came on the counter, but Alamgir Ghazi fired over from distance.

Coach Nolberto Solano made two changes at half-time, bringing on Ali Agha and Hayyan Khattak for Alamgir and Umar Nawaz.

The changes immediately transformed Pakistan’s fortunes.

Just 70 seconds after the restart, captain Abdullah Iqbal lofted a ball towards Ali Akbar, who controlled it on the left, went past a defender and slotted the ball through Mendoza’s legs to give Pakistan their first goal of the tournament.

Pakistan were suddenly on the front foot and continued to threaten the Philippines defence.

The equaliser arrived in the 62nd minute. Samad won possession on the right, drove into the area, evaded a challenge and cut onto his left foot before firing past Mendoza at his near post.

The Philippines responded with a quadruple substitution but could not regain control of the match.

Pakistan, meanwhile, continued to push for a winner. Solano introduced Abdul Rehman and Abdul Samad Khan for Fazal and Ali Uzair as his side maintained its attacking intent.

The Philippines still threatened on the counter, but Moh­ib­ullah produced another crucial block from close range to prevent a late goal.

Pakistan pressed until the final whistle, with support from fans in the stands, but the Philippines held on for a share of the points.

The result keeps Pakistan’s hopes of progressing from Group ‘B’ alive, although their fate will depend on the remaining results. Their final group match is against Vietnam.

“It’s not easy at this level to come back from two goals down,” Solano said after the match. “The most important thing today was the team’s reaction. I am very pleased with how the team responded. Towards the end, we even felt that we could win the game.”

The coach, however, said Pakistan needed to become more consistent throughout matches as they prepare for future Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers.

“We have to become more consistent throughout the game,” he said. “When the team is in good shape both defensively and offensively, we have to maintain that level for longer periods.”

Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2026