ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan played to a 0-0 draw in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier, held at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad. Despite spirited performances from both sides, neither team managed to find the back of the net in a tightly contested encounter.
The first half saw both teams creating opportunities but failing to capitalize. Pakistan came closest to breaking the deadlock in the second half when they were awarded a penalty. However, Otis Khan was unable to convert, sending the chance wide and missing what could have been the decisive moment of the match.
In the final minutes, both teams pressed hard in search of a winner, launching aggressive attacks, but solid defending on both ends ensured the match ended in a stalemate.
The match drew a lively crowd, including dignitaries such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who attended in support of the national team.
The two sides will face off again in the second leg of the qualifier on October 14 in Kuwait.
