VIENTIANE: Mohammad Essa scored a brace as Pakistan recorded an impressive 3-0 victory over hosts Laos in their Group ‘D’ AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027 qualifier at the Laos National Stadium on Saturday.

The victory for Mohammad Habib’s side means Pakistan now have two wins from three matches so far after their opening 3-1 triumph against Sri Lanka was followed by a narrow 1-0 loss to Iran.

Pakistan in their last match face Jordan on Nov 20.

After an end-to-end opening 10 minutes against Laos, Pakistan opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Essa rose highest to head in after Hasnain Ali’s tenacity on the left had won a free-kick.

At the other end, goalkeeper Samar Razzaq was alert to deny a one-on-one chance before Muhammad Hammad made a superb last-ditch intervention.

The unrelenting pace continued with Muhammad Moosa shooting narrowly wide from distance while Essa had a shot saved on the line.

Hazrat Abbas made it 2-0 in the 29th minute with a bullet header from a cross on the left and Pakistan continued to pour forward with Essa making it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time; slotting in first time after a superb cross by captain Abdul Samad.

Laos tried to hit back in the second half but Pakistan stood tall with some solid defence.

Samar made another superb one-on-one save at the start of the second half and then dived to his right to make another sensational stop.

His defenders remained equally resolute to deny Laos a goal.

At the other end substitute Haris Khan made a superb run down the right but fellow substitute Khalilullah’s shot was saved.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2026