In this highly anticipated 2026 World Cup first-round qualifier, Pakistan faced off against Cambodia in what promised to be an intense battle between two formidable teams. Both squads were eager to make their mark on the tournament and secure an early victory. The stage was set for an enthralling match, with fans eagerly anticipating each team’s performance.
Minute-by-minute report:
1′ — The game kicked off with both teams looking determined. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as the first pass was made.
2′ — The initial exchanges were tightly contested, with neither team willing to take risks early on. Both Pakistan and Cambodia were focused on maintaining possession and building their attacks patiently.
4′ — The intensity on the pitch began to rise as both teams tested each other’s defenses. However, solid defensive displays from both sides prevented any clear goal-scoring opportunities.
7′ — Cambodia was awarded a free-kick in a favorable position. The ball was lifted into the box, but Pakistan’s defense was alert, and the danger was swiftly cleared with a powerful header.
8′ — Junaid Shah and Abdullah combined effectively to neutralize an opposition striker, showcasing their defensive prowess and preventing any potential threat to Pakistan’s goal.
10′ — Excitement brewed in the stadium as Moin found Fareed Ullah, who deflected the ball backward to Waheed in the attacking third. However, just as Waheed prepared to shoot, he was halted by the Cambodian defense. It was a near miss for Pakistan, signaling their intentions to push for an early goal.
13′ — Shayek passed the ball to Waheed, who attempted to find the back of the net. However, his shot was blocked by a determined defender. The rebound fell to Moin on the right flank, who struck a left-footed shot that was easily saved by the Cambodian goalkeeper.
14′ — Rahis found Shayek on the left side of the box, who attempted a deflected shot that flew over the post. It was a close call for Pakistan, with Shayek unlucky not to find the back of the net. Nevertheless, Pakistan’s attacking ambitions were evident as they continued to create chances.
21′ — Rahis was fouled by Cambodian players on the left side of the box, leading to a free kick. Shayek stepped up to take the set-piece, but Fareed Ullah’s attempt to volley the ball came to nothing.
23′ — Junaid showcased his defensive prowess by expertly clearing the ball with a well-timed header, denying the opposition player a clear shot on goal from the right side of Pakistan’s half.
26′ — A moment of drama unfolded on the pitch, resulting in a short pause in play. Cambodia restarted the game from their own half with a throw-in, but Waheed immediately launched an attack from the left side, attracting the attention of Cambodian players. In the ensuing scuffle, Waheed was pushed but admirably did not retaliate. The referee intervened, cautioning both Waheed and the opposing player with yellow cards.
31′ — Cambodia began to show glimpses of their attacking prowess, attempting to create a goal-scoring opportunity, but Pakistan’s defense remained resolute and managed to quell the threat.
32′ — A well-executed passing sequence from Cambodia’s players on the right flank showcased their technical ability. However, their teammate inside the box was unfortunate not to convert the chance into a goal.
33′ — The game reached a crucial juncture as Pakistan desperately searched for a breakthrough. The team’s attacking intent was evident as they pressed forward relentlessly.
35′ — A Cambodian forward attempted a shot on goal, narrowly missing the target as the ball sailed past the left post. It was a sigh of relief for Pakistan, who managed to escape that dangerous moment unscathed.
36′ — Cambodia mounted another attack, but Pakistan’s defense stood firm, clearing the ball. Moin gained possession and passed it to Shayek, but the chances of scoring were scarce for Pakistan at that moment. The struggle to break the deadlock continued.
39′ — Captain Suleman once again showcased his defensive leadership by clearing an attempt from Cambodian players with a powerful header. Cambodia’s impressive passing was evident throughout the game.
41′ — Pakistan displayed their defensive compactness, ensuring that they did not concede a goal before halftime. The team demonstrated their resilience and determination in safeguarding their goal.
42′ — Cambodia entered an attacking mode, showing their intent to score before the whistle blew for halftime. Pakistan’s defense faced a stern test as they absorbed the pressure.
43′ — Play was briefly paused as Fareed Ullah received treatment for a minor foot injury. It was a momentary break in the game as both teams regrouped and prepared for the remainder of the half.
Half time — Pakistan: 0 | Cambodia: 0
47′ — The second half commenced with both teams determined to create magic on the pitch. Cambodia initially dominated the proceedings, showcasing their attacking prowess.
48′ — Fareed and Waheed combined effectively, displaying their coordination in the final third. However, the Cambodian defense stood firm and managed to thwart their efforts.
51′ — Waheed became increasingly desperate to score, having had several opportunities. Once again, he found himself in a promising position, but his shot narrowly missed the post.
52′ — Moin intervened impeccably, executing a well-timed clearance to ensure that Pakistan remained safe. Omer Hayat then took a throw-in, providing a reassurance at the back for Pakistan.
53′ — Alamgir displayed impressive energy and determination as he rushed towards the opposition goalkeeper, attempting to disrupt their play. Pakistan needed more players to exhibit this level of intensity to create scoring opportunities.
54′ — Rahis passed the ball to Fareed, who attempted to release it towards Waheed. However, before the ball could reach its intended target, the goalkeeper intervened and collected it.
55′ — A Cambodian player attempted an airborne shot towards his teammate on the right flank. Unluckily for Cambodia, the execution of the pass was inaccurate, squandering a potential opportunity.
56′ — Credit must be given to Moin, who won back possession for Pakistan and promptly passed it to Alamgir. The latter took a shot towards Waheed, but the goalkeeper was quick to collect the ball before it reached him.
57′ — Pakistan’s defensive resilience was on full display, with captain Esa Suleman making two brilliant clearances in their defensive third within a span of a minute. The defensive unit proved to be a pillar of strength for the team throughout the game.
64′ — Pakistan made two substitutions, with Harun replacing Fareed and Waleed coming on for Moin. The fresh legs injected new energy into the team, providing opportunities to change the course of the match.
67′ — Harun engaged the opposition winger, forcing him into a weak shot towards the goalkeeper. Pakistan’s defensive solidity remained intact, and the danger was averted.
68′ — Shayek passed the ball to Waleed, who unleashed an effort towards the goal. However, his shot hit the post, coming agonizingly close to giving Pakistan the lead.
73′ — A Cambodian player engaged Junaid Shah and unleashed a shot from the left side of the box. However, Pakistan’s goalkeeper, Yousaf Butt, collected it comfortably, denying Cambodia the opportunity to take the lead.
75′ — Cambodia intensified their attacking efforts, deploying intelligent passing to create a scoring chance. Pakistan’s defense, though, held its ground, thwarting their opponent’s attempts effectively.
77′ — Harun found himself in possession in the attacking third for Pakistan. Waheed was making a promising run parallel to him, but Harun opted to take a shot himself. Unfortunately, his effort lacked precision and was easily gathered by the goalkeeper.
79′ — Cambodia launched a shot from outside the penalty area, but fortunately for Pakistan, Yousaf Butt effortlessly collected it, ensuring his team’s safety.
86′ — Junaid was shown a yellow card for fouling an opposition player, resulting in a free-kick for Cambodia. The ensuing set-piece was successfully cleared by Captain Esa Suleman, highlighting his defensive contributions throughout the match.
88′ — Shayek passed the ball to Ali Uzair, but the pass lacked the necessary accuracy for Uzair to take a shot at goal. This missed opportunity left Pakistan regretting the quality of the final ball.
91′ — In the dying moments of the game, Captain Esa’s header proved crucial as it cleared a dangerous shot for Pakistan, ensuring the game ended goalless.
Full time:
The final whistle blew, signaling the end of an intense battle between Pakistan and Cambodia. Despite both teams’ valiant efforts, neither side managed to find the back of the net, resulting in a goalless draw. Pakistan showcased their defensive resilience throughout the game, with standout performances from Junaid Shah, Captain Esa Suleman, and goalkeeper Yousaf Butt. Cambodia, on the other hand, exhibited impressive passing and attacking play.
Summary:
The match was evenly contested, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance and missed opportunities. Pakistan’s attacking intentions were evident with several close calls, while Cambodia’s passing accuracy and attacking prowess kept the Pakistani defense on their toes. In the end, neither team could outwit the other, resulting in a goalless draw.