KARACHI: Pakistan suffered a third straight defeat ahead of their preparations for the next week’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Yemen when they lost 2-0 to the Thailand U-23 team on Thursday.

Mohammed Al Shamlan’s men face Yemen in the first leg of their first-round qualifying tie for the World Cup on March 12 with the return in Lahore five days later but Pakistan have work to do if they hope to improve their dismal record of never having won a qualifying game for FIFA’s showpiece tournament.

The loss to the Thai U-23 side came on the back of defeats to Thai Premier League side Osotspa on Tuesday and the Malaysian U-22 side on their tour of Malaysia last week.

According to the information made available here, Pakistan were gifted a soft penalty two minutes from half-time by Thailand goalkeeper Yos Somporn who reacted well to deny ace striker Kaleemullah from the spot.

And they were made to pay six minutes later when poor marking from a set-piece saw the Thais take the lead.

It became 2-0 in favour of the home side in the 73rd when Pakistan goalkeeper Muzammil Hussain made a hash of a free-kick, putting it in his own net.

Pakistan were spared a heavier defeat when Ehsanullah, who replaced Muzammil in goal, saved a penalty five minutes from time but the loss would add to Shamlan’s concerns ahead of the Yemen game.

Published in Dawn, March 6th, 2015

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