Pakistan suffer ASEAN Cup defeat

Poeiphimai hat-trick gives Thailand 4-0 win in Pakistan’s historic tournament debut

Pakistan began their historic FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign with a 4-0 defeat by Thailand on Saturday, with Teerasak Poeiphimai scoring a hat-trick to give his side a convincing victory.

Pakistan showed defensive discipline during the opening stages but struggled to contain a better-ranked Thailand.

Pakistan defended in numbers during a cagey opening half-hour, with Mohibullah making an important interception and Ali Raza producing a timely sliding tackle to keep Thailand at bay.

Goalkeeper Yousuf Butt also made a fine save as Thailand looked for an opening.

But Pakistan’s resistance was broken when Yousuf saved again, only for Poeiphimai to react quickest to the rebound and put Thailand ahead.

Thailand doubled their advantage ten minutes later after Pakistan captain Abdullah Iqbal misplaced a pass. Jude-Bell Soonsup capitalised on the mistake and finished from close range.

Thailand thought they had added a third soon afterwards, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Pakistan made three changes at halftime, with Shayek Dost, Hayyan Khattak and Alamgir Ghazi coming on as coach Nolberto Solano sought a response.

The changes brought greater attacking intent, with full-backs Mohammad Fazal and Haris Ali Zeb pushing forward.

Pakistan came close when Abdul Samad Arshad’s shot narrowly wide, but Thailand struck again on the hour mark. Poeiphimai produced a looping volley to make it 3-0.

Veteran Kaleemullah Khan was introduced as Pakistan searched for a way back, but Thailand remained in control.

Poeiphimai completed his hat-trick six minutes from time after a defensive mix-up, calmly dinking the ball into the net.

The defeat leaves Pakistan needing to regroup quickly before their next Group B match against the Philippines on Tuesday.