For most parts of the game, Paki-stan were camped in their own half, looking to keep out Saudi Arabia. But Roberto Mancini’s side found a way, breaking down the hosts’ defence three times for a 3-0 victory at Jinnah Stadium to advance into the third round of Asia’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers with a game to spare.
Feras Al-Buraikan scored twice, both his goals coming in the first half, before Musab Al Juwayr added a third to leave Pakistan without a point in Group ‘G’ heading into their last game against Tajikistan next week. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, top the group with 13 points from five games ahead of their clash against Jordan.
The top two in each of the nine qualification groups advance to the next phase in the quest for one of Asia’s eight guaranteed berths at the 48-team World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Pakistan had vowed they had worked on improving their confidence and Stephen Constantine’s men showed good composure in the early stages despite the Saudis having plenty of the ball.
They kept the visitors out until Al-Buraikan got the opener in the 26th. A cross from Moteb Al-Harbi on the left found its way to Sultan Al Ghannam, who headed it into the box and Al-Buraikan scored with a brilliant piece of skill.
The 24-year-old Al Ahli striker took a touch with his right foot to toss it up and then swiweled to send a rifling shot with his left past goalkeeper Yousuf Butt.—Agencies
