Pakistan’s Etzaz Hussain celebrates scoring a objective throughout their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match towards Afghanistan on the Ali Subah Al-Salem Stadium in Al-Ardiya on October 14, 2025. — PFF
AL-ARDIYA: Etzaz Hussain’s sensible strike earned Pakistan a 1-1 draw towards Afghanistan of their second Group E match of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on the Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium on Tuesday.
Afghanistan made an early breakthrough when defender Mahboob Hanifi fired house inside 5 minutes, slotting the ball previous Pakistan goalkeeper Saqib Hanif.
Hussain later levelled the rating with an excellent discipline objective, making certain Pakistan took a useful level from an intense encounter.
Afghanistan’s lead, nonetheless, didn’t final lengthy as midfielder Etzaz Hussain netted the equaliser within the twenty ninth minute to assist Pakistan degree at 1-1.
The 2 groups then made a number of makes an attempt to attain the tie-breaker, however the scoreboard remained intact till the ultimate whistle, leading to them sharing some extent apiece.
Regardless of sharing the factors, Afghanistan and Pakistan remained third and fourth, respectively, with two factors in 4 matches. The previous holds the sting resulting from a superior objective distinction.
For the unversed, Pakistan and Afghanistan performed out a draw of their first leg of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers final week in Islamabad.
The Inexperienced Shirts started the sport with depth, mounting common assaults, however have been unable to breach Afghanistan’s resilient defence within the first half.
Afghanistan’s stable defensive setup efficiently saved Pakistan from changing their possibilities.
Pakistan had a golden alternative to take the lead within the 67th minute once they have been awarded a penalty. Nevertheless, Otis Khan didn’t capitalise, leaving the scoreline unchanged.
Regardless of the frustration over missed alternatives, followers applauded each groups for his or her spirited show in a hard-fought draw.
