Head coach says fatigue and defensive lapses cost Shaheens as Vietnam fight back for 4-2 win
Pakistan head coach Nolberto Solano said fitness and a loss of defensive shape proved decisive as his side suffered a 4-2 defeat by Vietnam to finish bottom of Division I Group B in their maiden FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign on Friday.
Pakistan took a deserved lead through Mohibullah Afridi in the 31st minute after dominating much of the opening half at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
But Vietnam responded strongly after the interval, scoring three times before Pakistan pulled one back through veteran Kaleemullah Khan in the 88th minute. Hoang Minh Williams then sealed the victory with Vietnam’s fourth goal in the closing moments.
Solano said Pakistan’s inability to maintain the intensity of their first-half performance was a major factor in the defeat.
“Honestly, it will be very important for us, a great experience for everyone, and of course disappointed with the result,” Solano told reporters after the match.
“We started very well in the first half of the game. We know our issues, we know our problems and unfortunately, fitness at this kind of level is different.”
Pakistan, ranked 99 places below Vietnam, had impressed before the break, pressing effectively and restricting their opponents while creating several opportunities.
Mohibullah capitalised on a defensive error to put the Shaheens ahead, but Vietnam levelled through Long Hai Nguyen five minutes after half-time before Duc Hoang Nguyen completed the turnaround in the 57th minute.
Bac Dinh Nguyen extended Vietnam’s lead in the 80th minute, before Kaleemullah gave Pakistan hope with a late finish. Williams, however, ended those hopes shortly afterwards.
Solano said his side’s pressing became less effective as fatigue set in.
“In general, what I saw today in the second half, we were not able to build the same pressure as we did in the first half,” he said.
“As all good teams press together, we had a line in the back that was a bit tired. That is why we dropped deeper and deeper.”
Despite the defeat, Solano said Pakistan had benefited from playing against stronger opposition and expressed hope for more international opportunities.
“Apart from that, we participated in the tournament; we did quite well. It was a great experience,” he said.
“Hopefully, we get these kinds of games in the future.”
Pakistan opened their campaign with a 4-0 defeat by Thailand before recovering from two goals down to draw 2-2 with the Philippines.
The defeat by Vietnam left Pakistan with one point from three matches, while Vietnam finished second behind Thailand.
Solano said the team would now turn its attention to preparations for its next assignment in Bangladesh next month.
“Now we need to prepare in Bangladesh next month,” he said.
