Pakistan’s campaign in the 2026 AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers came to a disappointing conclusion as they suffered a third consecutive defeat, losing 1-0 to Oman at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh on Tuesday. The result ended Pakistan’s hopes of advancing, with the team finishing bottom of Group G without a point, while Iraq, Cambodia, and Oman battled for top positions. For Pakistan, this was a campaign marked by missed opportunities, defensive lapses, and the challenge of competing against more experienced sides.
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The game against Oman began with the West Asian side showing their intent early on. Using their pace and tactical awareness, they pressed forward and created chances, with Nasser Alsaqri testing the Pakistani defense down the right flank. The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Turki Abdullah perfectly timed his run to beat the offside trap and converted Said Alghanboosi’s floated set-piece into the back of the net. It was a blow for Pakistan, who had been looking to establish their footing in the contest but instead found themselves chasing the game.
Despite the early setback, Pakistan responded with moments of promise. In the first half, Syed Ali Raza struck the woodwork with a powerful attempt, narrowly missing the chance to bring his side level. On the other side, Oman squandered opportunities of their own, with Sameer Alhatmi heading over the bar from close range. Both teams entered halftime with a sense of unfinished business, but heavy rain during the break changed the dynamic of the match. The slick surface slowed down the tempo and forced players to adapt quickly, making control and precision more difficult.
In the second half, Pakistan gradually grew into the game and began to create chances. The most notable moment came in the 75th minute when Mckeal Abdullah managed to break free and test Oman goalkeeper Abdullah Aljabri, who stood firm to deny what could have been an equalizer. Oman continued to threaten on the counter and came close to doubling their lead when Osama Sameer’s shot hit the post, but ultimately they were content to see out the narrow victory. Pakistan fought hard until the final whistle but lacked the finishing touch to change the outcome.
The loss was not just the end of the match but the conclusion of Pakistan’s qualifiers journey, which had started on a difficult note. Their opening game saw them suffer a heavy 8-1 defeat to Iraq, who would go on to top the group with seven points after a goalless draw against Cambodia in the final fixture. Pakistan’s second outing against hosts Cambodia was a much tighter contest, but they were edged 1-0, leaving them with little room for error heading into their last group match. Unfortunately, Oman’s resilience and early goal ensured Pakistan’s exit without a point on the board.
For Iraq, topping the group meant securing qualification for next year’s finals, while Cambodia ended with five points to finish second, and Oman secured four points to claim third place. Pakistan, despite their efforts, were left with lessons to learn and experience to build upon. While the results were far from ideal, the exposure to international competition provided invaluable insights for the young squad, who now have a clearer understanding of the demands of playing at this level.
Looking forward, Pakistan’s coaching staff, led by Nolberto Solano, will need to focus on addressing key weaknesses, particularly in defense and finishing, while nurturing young talent to prepare for future tournaments. The experience of playing against stronger regional opponents, though harsh in the immediate results, is likely to contribute to the team’s development. With patience, better preparation, and continued international exposure, Pakistan can aim to return stronger in upcoming competitions. For now, the qualifiers end in disappointment, but also with hope for a brighter future in football.
