The qualifiers for the 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup kicked off on 6th September with Pakistan beginning its campaign against a strong Japanese side. Japan who are one of the powerhouses of Asian football showed their mettle by scoring six goals past Pakistan’s defense. The Shaheens were expected to have a tough time against their opponents and the full-time score depicted that.
Japan 6-0 Pakistan – as it happened
The difference in quality between the two sides was apparent from the get-go as Japan started on the front foot and created plenty of chances during the game’s early stages. Pakistan’s goalie, Salman ul Haq offered some respite to the defence by making a few breathtaking saves, including a diving one-handed save to stop Yamada’s curling strike from outside the box.
Unfortunately, wave after wave of the Japanese attack was too much to handle for Salman as he was unable to stop Nishio’s strike from close range which allowed Japan to open the scoring. Up till the 40th minute, Japan still had a one-goal lead and Shaheens were starting to get a foothold in the game by playing some quick touch passes. But just when they were starting to grow in confidence the Japanese struck again.
Matsuki played a nice ball towards Mito, who unleashed his strike into the far corner from inside the box in the 43rd minute. Tired Pakistan players were just waiting for the first-half whistle so they could regroup in the dressing room, but their Asian rivals had other ideas. Hosoya took full advantage of Shaheen’s lapse of concentration by volleying Saito’s looping header into the back of the net to give his side a three-goal lead before the break.
The Japan U23 side started the second half with exactly the same intensity as they showed in the first half. Hosoya scored his second goal of the game in the 51st minute from the penalty spot. It was a fine penalty kick from the 22-year-old, but the way the penalty was awarded was a bit controversial. The referee pointed towards the spot for Abdullah Shah’s challenge on Matsuki. But the replays showed that Pakistan’s skipper had contacted the ball first. The non-availability of VAR meant the decision could not be overturned.
Five minutes later, Japan were gifted another penalty when goalkeeper, Salman brought Matsuki down in the penalty area in an effort to win the ball. This time Japanese captain Fujita took on the spot kick duty and finished calmly to give his side a five-goal cushion.
The Japanese showcased their passing skills by opening Shaheen’s defence with one-touch passes. In the 64th minute, Mito finished off a brilliant team move by smashing the ball past Salman in Pakistan’s goal. With 25 minutes still left to play, the Shaheens’ fans were fearing the worst for their team, but somehow their defence managed to keep the score at 6-0.
What’s next for Pakistan in the 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers?
A drubbing by Japan was always on the cards for the Pakistan football team, given the difference in FIFA Rankings between the two sides. But all is not lost yet. The Shaheens have still got two games left to play in the competition against Palestine and Bahrain.
Although both sides are formidable, but they do not pose the same threat as the Japanese side did. A few players of the current squad were part of the senior team that took part in the 4 Nations Cup and SAFF Championship 2023, so Shaheen’s coach must be hoping that these players would use their experience and do better in the upcoming games. They play Bahrain and Palestine on 9th September and 12th September, respectively.
The first edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup was held in 2013. Since then, the men in green have featured in the qualifying stage on two occasions, with the last one being in 2015. Unfortunately, they failed to qualify for the main event on both occasions and did not take part in the qualifying rounds of the last three editions due to unrest within the PFF.
So, the Shaheens will be determined to break their duck and create history by qualifying for the main event.
