JAKARTA, July 5 (TNF): Pakistan exited the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers on Saturday despite a 2-1 win over Kyrgyzstan. Chinese Taipei topped Group D with the most points and advanced to the next round.
Pakistan played in Group D alongside Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, and Kyrgyzstan. They lost their opener 8-0 to Chinese Taipei on June 29 but bounced back with a 2-0 win over Indonesia before beating Kyrgyzstan.
Mariam Mahmood put Pakistan ahead in the first minute. Layla Aliya won the ball at the halfway line and played it forward. Kyrgyz goalkeeper Dilnura Abibulla failed to collect it, allowing Mahmood to score into an empty net.
Mahmood doubled the lead with an 18th-minute penalty. Alina Gaparova pulled one back for Kyrgyzstan with a low shot in the 69th minute.
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) hailed the team’s debut campaign in the qualifiers. “For the first time in history, Pakistan took part in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers and what a statement they made,” it said on Instagram. The post praised the team’s comeback with wins over Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan.
The PFF called it “a moment of pride for every supporter of the game” and congratulated the team, coaches, and officials. It confirmed Pakistan finished second in the group with six points from three matches. Chinese Taipei won all their games and secured qualification with nine points.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani praised the team’s spirit. “Our national women’s team displayed great character and fighting spirit during their debut campaign. Despite finishing second, we were unfortunate not to progress. But this is just the beginning,” he said. Gilani expressed confidence in the team’s future, urging continued support to help them excel in upcoming tournaments.
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