In a match briefly suspended due to heavy rain and lightning, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team saw its hopes of winning the inaugural 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup take a major blow after settling for a 2-2 draw against Pakistan on Tuesday at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung.
Sandro Reyes’ 24th-minute tap-in and Bjørn Martin Kristensen’s 32nd-minute penalty, awarded for handball, gave Carlos Cuadrat’s side a commanding lead at halftime.
However, the halftime break was extended due to the weather conditions, and Pakistan returned to the pitch reinvigorated.
Muhammad Ali Akbar Khan pulled one back for the 198th-ranked Pakistan in the 47th minute, setting the stage for Abdul Samad Arshad’s left-footed equalizer in the 62nd minute.
The result means the Philippines now needs to win its final match and hope other results go its way to remain in contention for the bronze medal after failing to hold on to its two-goal advantage.
Both nations will finish their Group B campaigns on Friday at 5 p.m. Manila time.
The Philippines will face Thailand at the same venue, while Pakistan will take on Vietnam at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
