Essa’s double inspires Pakistan victory

Under-17 side beat Laos to revive AFC Asian Cup qualification hopes

Pakistan produced an impressive attacking display to defeat hosts Laos 3-0 in their Group D AFC Under-17 Asian Cup 2027 qualifier at the Laos National Stadium on Saturday, with Muhammad Essa scoring twice and Hazrat Abbas adding the third goal.

The victory gave Mohammad Habib's side their second win in three matches, strengthening their position in the qualification campaign ahead of their final group fixture against Jordan on November 20.

Pakistan had opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Sri Lanka before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat against Iran.

After an evenly contested opening ten minutes, Pakistan took the lead in the 14th minute when Essa rose above the defence to head home after Hasnain Ali won a free kick through determined play down the left flank.

Laos threatened an equaliser soon afterwards, but goalkeeper Samar Razzaq produced an alert one-on-one save before Muhammad Hammad made a crucial last-ditch intervention to preserve Pakistan's advantage.

Pakistan continued to press forward, with Muhammad Moosa shooting narrowly wide from distance and Essa having another effort cleared off the line.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 29th minute when Abbas powered home a superb header from a cross delivered from the left.

Pakistan maintained their attacking momentum and added a third goal just before half-time. Captain Abdul Samad delivered an excellent cross, which Essa converted with a first-time finish to complete his brace and give Pakistan a commanding 3-0 lead.

Laos attempted to stage a comeback after the interval, but Pakistan's defence remained organised and goalkeeper Samar was again called into action.

He made another important one-on-one save early in the second half before diving to his right to deny the hosts with another impressive stop.

Hammad also produced a vital goal-line interception as Pakistan withstood the home side's attempts to reduce the deficit.

Pakistan continued to threaten on the counter-attack. Substitute Haris Khan made an impressive run down the right flank, but fellow substitute Khalilullah could not convert the opportunity as his effort was saved.

The visitors launched several more attacks in the closing stages, but Laos managed to prevent further damage.