Competition: 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification
First Half:
0′ The clash between Pakistan U-23 and Palestine U-23 is underway. Both teams are vying for a spot in the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.
4′ Palestine player flicks the ball from the left wing, but the forward fails to divert it into the net. Early scare for Pakistan.
5′ The first five minutes see Palestine dominating possession.
6′ Palestine launches a long pass from their players on the left flank, resulting in a collision with the Pakistan goalkeeper. The goalkeeper is down for a moment, leading to a brief pause in play.
8′ Pakistan midfielders maintain possession, but their attempt to launch an attack fails, and they eventually lose possession.
10′ Pakistan captain Abdullah attempts a long pass, but it lands safely in the gloves of the opposition goalkeeper.
11′ Palestine goalkeeper sends a long pass to their forwards, but the Pakistan goalkeeper collects the ball, avoiding any danger for Palestine.
12′ Palestine displays disciplined play as a foul creates a free kick just outside the penalty area. However, the ball goes over the post, missing an opportunity for Palestine.
14′ Mamoon tries to establish a link with the midfielders, but Palestine’s compact defense proves challenging for Pakistan.
16′ Both teams resort to long shots and back passes without any significant threat on goal.
17′ Palestine earns a corner kick, but the Pakistan players manage to deflect it, preventing any immediate danger.
18′ Ghazi attempts a pass but fails to find Hamid on the left flank, leading to frustration for Hamid.
20′ A Palestine player is down as a result of a collision with his teammate in their own half. Play resumes after a brief pause.
25′ Palestine creates a close attacking opportunity, but the Pakistan goalkeeper manages to deflect the ball, securing the defense.
27′ Haseeb gains possession from an opposition player but fails to make an accurate pass.
28′ Palestine continues to dominate the play, putting pressure on Pakistan in their own half.
31′ Haseeb takes a free kick to Shayek, but the ball crosses the touchline. Shayek is on the ground for some time.
35′ Palestine goalie takes a goal kick, and Haseeb manages to clear the ball from a Palestine attacker.
36′ Palestine tries to build-up play and create an attacking chance but faces strong resistance from the Pakistan defense.
37′ In the midst of Palestine’s advance towards the Pakistani box, Shayek collides with a player and requires medical attention, resulting in a pause in play.
40′ Pakistan’s attackers seem to be lacking energy, as they have failed to create any significant attacking chances thus far.
41′ Palestine earns a corner kick, which deflects towards the goal, but it flies past the post.
43′ A throw-in almost results in a close chance of a goal for Palestine, but luck is on Pakistan’s side once again, as the goalkeeper Usman Ali collides with Abdullah.
45+5′ The first half comes to an end with both teams unable to find the back of the net.
Second Half:
46′ Palestine starts the second half by attempting to create chances with long passes in Pakistan’s half.
49′ Number 7 of Palestine has a golden chance to score, but Mohib Ullah denies him in the Pakistani box, demonstrating exceptional defensive skills.
51′ Alamgir, Shayek, Haseeb, and Fareedullah combine to create a brilliant play, with Harun Hamid eluding four players and putting the ball into the net. Pakistan takes a 1–0 lead.
56′ Harun takes another brilliant shot from the left flank, but the Palestine goalkeeper easily collects it.
59′ Shayek receives a yellow card.
61′ 62′ Palestine comes close to surprising Pakistan, but the strong Pakistani defense clears the dangerous situation.
65′ Palestine makes two substitutions, trying to find a breakthrough.
67′ Palestine goes on the attack, but their efforts are denied by Mohib Ullah, who takes a hit to the head and momentarily goes down.
69′ Palestine earns a corner kick, and Zaid receives a yellow card for fouling a Palestine player. Palestine has a free kick just outside the penalty area.
72′ Pakistan showcases strength in clearing corner kicks with headers, but it comes at a cost as Fareedullah suffers an injury.
77′ Alamgir surprises everyone with his signature long shot from the midfield, narrowly missing the goal. He had scored the only goal against Bahrain in the last match with a similar shot.
80′ Zaid, Mohib, and Harun show impressive play, but Shayek fails to launch a successful shot on goal.
83′ Palestine is awarded a free kick from the midfield. A header from a Palestinian striker slightly touches goalkeeper Usman Ali and bounces off the goal post, coming agonizingly close to an equalizer.
88′ A cross from the right flank leads to a header, but the number 4 of Palestine fails to execute a shot on goal. It was a significant chance for Palestine to equalize.
90′ 12 minutes added on due to various stoppages in play.
90′ Harun attempts to engage the Palestine defense, but Pakistan loses possession in the Palestinian half.
95′ Intense scenes unfold as the referee awards Palestine a penalty shot. However, the Pakistani goalkeeper and defense impressively stop Palestine from scoring an equalizer.
98′ Unfortunately, a Pakistan player fouls a Palestine player inside the penalty box, resulting in a penalty kick for Palestine. Palestine successfully converts the penalty kick, equalizing the match.
100′ Palestine is awarded a free kick from the middle of the pitch. Saeed fouls a Palestinian player, but the free kick is deflected by goalkeeper Usman.
104′ Palestine earns a corner kick, which is precisely delivered by Palestine’s number 7, resulting in Palestine’s second goal. Pakistan’s goalkeeper had no chance to save this goal. Palestine takes the lead.
The final whistle blows, and the match ends with Pakistan U-23 1–2 Palestine U-23. Palestine’s last-minute goal secures them the victory in this closely contested match.
Summary:
Palestine U-23 showcased dominance throughout the game, with the majority of possession and continuous pressure on the Pakistani defense. Their disciplined play and constant attacking chances posed a significant threat to Pakistan’s goal.
Pakistan U-23’s defense and goalkeeper, Usman Ali, displayed exceptional skills, managing to avert dangerous situations and make crucial saves. However, their lack of attacking opportunities and low energy upfront hindered their chances of securing a victory.
Despite the late equalizer by Palestine from a penalty kick and the subsequent winning goal, Pakistan U-23 demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the match. They can take positives from their strong defensive performance while recognizing the need for improvements in their offensive strategies.
Overall, Palestine U-23’s persistence and clinical finishing ultimately gave them the edge, resulting in their victory in this closely contested match.