Pakistan beat hosts Kyrgyz Republic in their Group B clash of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers by 3–1 at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium on Monday, thanks to goals from Muhammad Mustafa, Abdul Samad and Muhammad Essa.
The Green Shirts made a dominant start, taking the lead in the 9th minute when midfielder Muhammad Mustafa struck from outside the box.
His powerful shot went straight to goalkeeper Daniel Kuluev, who failed to collect the ball cleanly, allowing it to slip into the net.
Pakistan doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute following another mistake from the Kyrgyz goalkeeper.
Kuluev rushed out of his box to head the ball clear, but Abdul Samad reacted swiftly, volleying it over him and into the goal to make it 2–0.
The hosts responded in the 65th minute when Artem Potorochin’s effort created an opening for Ulukbek Ishenbaev, who lifted the ball past Pakistan goalkeeper Samar Razzaq to reduce the deficit.
However, Pakistan regained control and sealed the victory in the 83rd minute.
A brilliant solo run from Muhammad Abdullah set up Muhammad Essa just outside the box, and he fired a precise shot into the top corner to restore Pakistan’s two-goal cushion.
Despite two wins from two matches, Pakistan currently sit third in Group B on goal difference, behind Laos and Yemen.