The 1-1 draw that Pakistan initiated against Afghanistan during the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers could have gained them a point. Still, the fans cannot but wonder what could have happened had Otis Khan scored his second-half penalty.
Pakistan had already conceded to Mahboob Hanifi’s strike and had just given him his goal, but Etzaz Hussain brought a glimmer of hope when he scored a sublime goal in the 29th minute. Since then, the tide has turned. Pakistan appears faster, more structured, and anxious to gain their initial victory of the operation.
It happened in the 67th minute, when Khan took the opportunity to score the goal that might have been decisive. But the Green Shirts were lamenting his lost attempt. Despite continuing to press in attack, they could not breach Afghanistan with their disciplined defence line.
The outcome places Pakistan fourth in Group E alongside Afghanistan but on an equal footing, but on goal difference. Its development might appear challenging, but the show served as a ray of hope regarding Pakistani supporters a team which is no longer happy to be treated as an underdog, but as one which demonstrates some tactical sophistication and fighting spirit.
Both the Coach and the players commended Hussain’s leadership in the midfield and the teamwork that won Pakistan another tough draw. The second, however, should be how to transform those performances into wins, which the fans keenly anticipate in the next fixtures.
