THE Philippines faded after a hot start, allowing Pakistan to force a 2-2 draw that jeopardized its bid in the inaugural FIFA Asean Cup on Tuesday night in Badung, Indonesia.
In a dominant first-half, the Pinoy booters raced to a 2-nil upper hand with Sandro Reyes (24th minute) and Bjorn Kristensen (32nd) on the scoring end.
But the charges of coach Carles Cuadrat cooled down after the extended halftime break due to rain and the Pakistanis were quick to cash in.
Forward Ali Akbar Khan pulled Pakistan one back with his strike off a long ball from captain Abdullah Iqbal in the 47th minute then Abdul Shahzad fired the equalizer 15 minutes off an interception in midfield.
The Philippines, which earlier dropped a 0-1 loss to Vietnam, sits at third in Group B behind unbeaten Thailand (six points) and second-running Vietnam (three points on one win and one loss). The Filipinos are ahead of the Pakistanis (one point) on goal difference, -1 versus -4.
“We played a very good first half, had chances to score three or four goals, but unfortunately we missed some clear chances… In a really bad start to the second half, we conceded twice in 15 minutes. In football, you cannot make any presents,” said Mr. Cuadrat, ruing the miscues that led to Pakistan’s three shots on target.
“When you are winning 2-0, you have to be able to keep the 3 points. It’s a moment for all of us to understand what happened and make self-criticism to avoid it happening again.”
The Philippines seeks an upset against finals-bound Thailand on Friday in Jakarta while hoping the result in the other game between Vietnam and Pakistan will go its way to remain in contention for the No. 2 and a seat in the bronze medal match. — Olmin Leyba