Pakistan U17 Beat Laos 3-0 to Revive Asian Cup Hopes
Pakistan U17 beat Laos 3-0 in their AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027 qualifier on Saturday, The Express Tribune reported, with Muhammad Essa scoring twice and Hazrat Abbas adding the third goal.
The win at the Laos National Stadium gave Mohammad Habib’s side their second victory in three matches. It strengthened 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.
Pakistan U17 beat Laos with three first-half goals
After an evenly contested opening ten minutes, Pakistan took the lead in the 14th minute. 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. Muhammad Hammad then made a vital last-ditch intervention to preserve Pakistan’s advantage.
Pakistan continued to press forward. Muhammad Moosa shot narrowly wide from distance, and Essa had 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 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.
Samar and Hammad hold the clean sheet
Laos attempted a comeback after the interval, but Pakistan’s defence remained organised. Samar was called into action again, making 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 chance as his effort was saved.
The visitors launched several more attacks in the closing stages, but Laos managed to prevent further damage.
What the win means for qualification
The result leaves Pakistan well placed in Group D with one match to play. Two wins from three matches, with a final fixture against Jordan on November 20, keeps their hopes of reaching the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027 alive. Only the winners of the seven qualifying groups reach the finals in Uzbekistan in May 2027, so Pakistan must finish top of Group D. Nine teams, including hosts Uzbekistan, have already qualified. Iran play Jordan on Tuesday, and the result will shape the group before Pakistan’s final match on Friday.
Pakistan named a 23-player squad for the qualifiers in Laos. The squad was picked for the Group D campaign, with the Laos trip as the central test for the young side.
The win also continues a strong run for Pakistan’s youth teams. Pakistan beat Bangladesh to reach the U19 Asia Cup final, though India beat Pakistan in the final off the last ball. The Pakistan Sports Board has scheduled meetings for the 14th South Asian Games, which Pakistan will host in April.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Pakistan U17 vs Laos?
Pakistan beat Laos 3-0 in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027 qualifier at the Laos National Stadium. Muhammad Essa scored twice and Hazrat Abbas added the third goal.
Who scored for Pakistan against Laos?
Muhammad Essa scored in the 14th minute and again just before half-time, while Hazrat Abbas headed in the second goal in the 29th minute. Captain Abdul Samad set up Essa’s second with a cross.
What is Pakistan’s record in the qualifiers?
Pakistan have won two of their three matches. They beat Sri Lanka 3-1, lost 1-0 to Iran, and beat Laos 3-0. Their final group fixture is against Jordan on November 20.
Who is the Pakistan U17 coach?
Mohammad Habib coaches the side. He led the team through the Group D qualifiers in Laos, with the squad named before the campaign.
What happens if Pakistan beat Jordan?
A win in the final group fixture would strengthen Pakistan’s position in the qualification campaign for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027. The exact qualification places depend on the final group standings.
