LAHORE: Pakistan’s fall to more illustrious Middle East sides continued as they were beaten 2-0 by the UAE at Mohammad Ali Hamad Stadium in Kuwait.

The loss is a huge blow for Pakistan's attempts to get a good standing in the group for qualification to final round, espescially since rivals Kuwait beat Maldives 5-0 while Afghanistan prevailed 2-1 over Yemen.

According to the press release issued by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), Pakistan team coach Sajjad Mehmood said that team's better finishing in front of goal could have decided the tie in their favor as striker Muhammad Bilal missed three sure shot chances.

But UAE maintained an upper hand as two goals from defender Rashed Ali Suleiman in either half helped them get another precious three points.

The result leaves Pakistan now struggling on 3 points from 3 games in 5th place, ahead of lowly Maldives with 0 points, while Kuwait lead the pack with seven points, with UAE and Afghanistan in 2nd and 3rd places with five points each, while Yemen lie 4th with four points.

Pakistan now face a daunting task as they must win their final two games against impressive surprise package Afghanistan and a gutsy Yemen side if they want any chance of finishing higher in the group.