The stage is set at the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium in Saudi Arabia as Pakistan’s Shaheens lock horns with Syria’s Nosour Qasioun in a pivotal AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Group E clash. This encounter marks Pakistan’s return to competitive football after an eight-month hiatus, raising questions about their match readiness as they face a formidable Syrian side ranked 95th in the world. In contrast, Pakistan, ranked 198th, enters the contest as clear underdogs but with hopes of causing an upset and making a statement on the international stage.
For Pakistan, this match is more than just a battle for qualification—it’s an opportunity to rebuild and prove their mettle. With a young and determined squad, the Shaheens will look to defy expectations against a Syrian team known for its physicality, tactical discipline, and regional experience. Syria, on the other hand, arrives as favorites, boasting a squad with players competing in top leagues across the Middle East and Europe, and they will be eager to secure a crucial three points to kick-start their qualification campaign.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams aim to leave their mark in Group E. Will Pakistan’s resilience and spirit be enough to overcome Syria’s superior ranking and experience? As the teams take the field under the Saudi Arabian night sky, anticipation is at an all-time high. Here is the complete minute-by-minute breakdown of this highly anticipated clash between Pakistan and Syria.
Lineups:
Pakistan MNT:
- Yousaf Butt (GK)
- Muhammad Umar Hayat
- Muhammad Fazal
- Abdullah Iqbal (C)
- Haseeb Khan
- Waqar Ehtisham
- Rahis Nabi
- McKeal Aroon Abdullah
- Ali Uzair Mahmood
- Alamgir Ghazi
- Abdul Samad Shahzad
Syria MNT:
- Elias Hadaya (GK)
- Ahmad Faqa
- Amr Almidani
- Khaled Kourdoghli
- Omar Al Soma (C)
- Simon Alexander
- Amar Ramadan
- Ahmad Yassin
- Mohammad Eid
- Zakara Hannan
Kick-off: The match begins with both teams showing high energy and intent. Pakistan Shaheens are in their traditional white kit, while Syria takes the field in green. The stakes are high as both sides aim to assert dominance early on.
0′ – Both teams appear spirited and ready for a competitive battle.
1′ – A long-range attempt from a Syrian player sails well over the crossbar. Yousaf Butt resumes play with a goal kick.
4′ – Syria wins a free kick just outside the penalty box, but Pakistan’s defensive wall holds firm, blocking the attempt.
6′ – Encouraging signs for Pakistan as they string together a series of neat passes—a notable improvement given their historical struggles with ball retention.
7′ – Yellow card! Haseeb Khan is booked for a reckless challenge near the right touchline. Head coach Stephen Constantine is visibly frustrated with the unnecessary foul. The resulting free kick is cleared without consequence.
9′-10′ – Syria continues to press deep into Pakistan’s half, but the Shaheens manage to avoid any clear-cut scoring opportunities.
11′ – Syria probes inside the 16-yard box, but Ali Uzair Mahmood makes a crucial clearance to relieve the pressure. Syria is dominating possession and maintaining offensive momentum.
14′ – Pakistan is yet to threaten Syria’s defensive third. The Shaheens are struggling to mount any significant attack.
15′ – Brilliant defensive work from Muhammad Fazal, who makes a timely clearance to disrupt a Syrian advance.
16′ – Alamgir Ghazi shows signs of creativity in midfield, attempting to unsettle Syria’s defensive structure.
18′ – Syria’s intent to find the opener is clear. Their relentless attacks keep Pakistan’s defense on high alert, but the Shaheens are holding on.
20′ – A close escape for Pakistan! Syria piles on the pressure with repeated attacks, but Pakistan’s backline stands resolute to keep the deficit at zero.
22′ – GOAL! Syria takes the lead. A well-delivered corner from the left side finds Syrian defender Ahmad Faqa unmarked just outside the 8-yard box. He directs a powerful header past Yousaf Butt to give Syria a 1-0 advantage.
25′ – Syria is in complete control following their breakthrough. Pakistan needs to regroup and find an offensive spark to get back into the game.
26′ – Alamgir Ghazi is trying to utilize his midfield experience but is tightly marked by the Syrian players, limiting his influence.
29′ – Syria continues to dominate possession with precise passing, keeping Pakistan on the back foot.
30′ – Rahis Nabi floats a hopeful long ball from the right flank into the box, but his teammates fail to connect with a meaningful header.
31′ – Alamgir Ghazi goes down after a tough challenge. He appears to be in some discomfort but manages to continue.
33′ – The pressure is mounting on Pakistan. The Shaheens are defending resolutely but must find a way to shift momentum before halftime.
36′ – Interestingly, Pakistan has barely entered Syria’s danger zone, with only a couple of half-chances to their name.
37′ – Alamgir Ghazi attempts an ambitious shot from distance, but it sails harmlessly over the crossbar. Signs of frustration are creeping into Pakistan’s camp.
38′ – A bright moment for Pakistan! Ali Uzair Mahmood tries his luck with a powerful shot that goes narrowly wide of the right post. Coach Constantine applauds his effort from the sidelines.
40′ – Tension rises in Pakistan’s dugout as the Shaheens search desperately for an equalizer.
41′ – Yellow card for Syria! A Syrian defender is booked for blatantly pulling Abdul Samad Shahzad’s shirt—a cynical foul that draws laughs from the commentary booth.
43′ – Another close call for Pakistan! A sharp cross from Syria’s right flank flashes across the goal but misses the far post by inches. A let-off for the Shaheens.
45′ – The fourth official signals 2 minutes of added time.
Half-time: Syria 1-0 Pakistan
A tough first half for Pakistan, who find themselves trailing courtesy of a well-executed Syrian set piece. Despite flashes of promise, the Shaheens have struggled to penetrate Syria’s defensive lines. Coach Constantine will need to inspire a second-half resurgence if Pakistan hopes to salvage a result.
Second Half:
46′ – The second half kicks off with Pakistan eager to find a way back. Coach Constantine has made no changes at halftime.
49′ – Syria’s Omar Al Soma tests Yousaf Butt with a curling free kick, but the goalkeeper dives low to make a solid save.
52′ – Pakistan shows more urgency. Alamgir Ghazi delivers a cross from the left, but Waqar Ehtisham’s header is off target.
56′ – GOAL! Syria doubles their lead. After a scrappy exchange in the box, Syria’s No. 9 calmly slots the ball past Yousaf Butt, extending their advantage to 2-0.
62′ – Excellent teamwork from Pakistan! Several players combine to deny Syria a scoring opportunity.
63′ – Double substitution for Pakistan. Fazl makes way for Ahmed, while Mckeal Aroon is replaced by Fareed Ullah. Fresh legs on the pitch for the Shaheens.
67′ – Omer Rao takes a nasty knock while defending on the left flank and goes down. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem serious, and he’s back on his feet.
70′ – Double substitution for Syria.
72′ – With fresh legs on the field, Syria looks even more threatening. They are controlling possession and putting increased pressure on Pakistan.
73′ – Alamgir fires a powerful shot, but it accidentally strikes the referee. Definitely not intentional—LOL!
74′ – Abdur Rehman, the young prodigy, steps up to take a throw-in for Pakistan.
74′ – Pakistan presses higher up the pitch, but Syria remains composed in defense, limiting clear opportunities.
74′ – Rahis Nabi, the aggressive midfielder, is shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge. His fiery style earns him a booking.
76′ – Good to see Fareed Ullah back in action after recovering from an injury he suffered a few months ago.
77′ – Pakistan makes a triple substitution—Harun Hamid and Moeen come on, replacing Ghazi and Omer. Smart move by Stephen to introduce Harun at this stage—he played a crucial role in Pakistan’s historic win against Cambodia last year, securing their first-ever victory in a World Cup qualifier.
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80′ – Ali Uzair goes down while attempting a clearance. He may need medical attention.
83′ – Syria launches another attack, but the shot sails well over the crossbar.
84′ – Syria makes another substitution as they look to freshen things up.
86′ – Pakistan’s striker Imran Kiani gets the ball at his feet near the 6-yard box, but the Syrian defense denies him a clear chance.
87′ – Another long-range effort from Syria, but it flies over the bar again.
88′ – Pakistan is pushing hard in these final minutes, searching for a moment of magic—but luck isn’t on their side so far.
89′ – Pakistan wins a corner. Rahis Nabi steps up to take it. He rolls the ball short, delivers a cross into the box—but Syria clears the danger.
89′ – Uzair plays a back pass when a forward option was available. Pakistan regains possession in Syria’s half but struggles to break through as Syria regains control.
90′– Five minutes of added time announced.
90′ – Pakistan clears the ball as Syria pushes forward with another dangerous attack.
90+1′ – Imran Kiani is dazzling with his footwork—an absolute delight to watch.
90+2′ – Syria makes another substitution to run down the clock.
90+4′ – The game heads into its final moments, and Syria looks comfortable as they hold on to their lead.
Full-Time: Syria secures the victory.
Full-time: Syria 2-0 Pakistan
A challenging match for Pakistan ends in defeat. Despite moments of promise, the Shaheens were unable to break down a disciplined Syrian defense. Syria’s clinical finishing proved decisive as they secured a well-earned victory.