Pakistan holds Cambodia to a goalless draw in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
A tie that felt like a victory. This is why Stephen Constantine was called in, and the Englishman is already halfway to assisting Pakistan in making history.
Pakistan produced a tenacious defensive performance to hold Cambodia to a goalless draw in the first leg of their first-round qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday at the National Olympic Stadium, but they still need to end a dismal record in the return leg in Islamabad on Tuesday to advance to the next round.
At the very least, Pakistan remains in the tie. And the performance will raise hopes that if they can score a goal in five days — and hold on like they did in the Cambodian capital — they will qualify for the second round, where Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Jordan await in Group ‘G’.
The 60-year-old Constantine, who formerly coached India, had spoken about the need of displaying a “positive attitude and fighting spirit,” and his players did everything they could to reject Cambodia’s unrelenting onslaught.
Last-ditch tackles were made, and players put their bodies on the line, with Pakistan having many half-chances on the counter.
Pakistan holds Cambodia to a goalless draw in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
“I think we played extremely well considering we’ve only been together for 12 days,” Constantine, who was appointed just a few weeks ago, told reporters.
“The players gave their all and deserved to take something away from the game… and we could’ve probably won it.” Cambodia had a lot of possession, but I believe we had more clear-cut chances. But it’s only the first half; we still have another game to play.”
On eight minutes, Pakistan’s Moin Ahmed went inside from the right and hit a low drive that Cambodian keeper Hul Kimhuy parried away, before Shayek Dost flashed wide with a first-time strike in the 15th.
In the second half, Constantine’s team had keeper Yousuf Butt to thank when he saved a cross from Yudai Ogawa that appeared to be heading for the feet of Reung Bunheing, and the Denmark-based gloveman then collected Ogawa’s long-range effort late on.—Agencies
