Gambia beat Pakistan 4-2 after comeback in FIFA U-15 World Cup debut

Pakistan suffered a 4-2 defeat against Gambia in their historic FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival debut in Azerbaijan after surrendering a two-goal lead.

The Shaheens made a strong start, scoring the competition’s opening two goals. Ameer Hamza opened the scoring in the fifth minute, collecting the ball on the right near the halfway line before driving towards the Gambian defence and firing a powerful strike past the goalkeeper.

Hamza was involved again in Pakistan’s second goal, winning a tackle that sent the ball towards Baxi Hamal Khan. Advancing from the left, Baxi fired a superb shot into the top corner to double Pakistan’s lead.

Gambia pulled a goal back before half-time before equalising early in the second half when the ball slipped past Pakistan goalkeeper Shayan.

The African side continued to apply pressure, forcing Pakistan to defend deep during the early exchanges. However, the Shaheens gradually regained their composure, with Kaleemullah testing the Gambian goalkeeper on more than three occasions and forcing a series of saves.

Gambia then completed the comeback through a swift counter-attack, with a player firing a powerful left-footed strike into the corner of the net to put his side ahead. The African side added a fourth with a curling effort into the top corner to seal the 4-2 victory.

Despite the defeat, Pakistan showed attacking promise in the opening stages, with Hamza and Baxi scoring impressive goals on the international stage.

The match marked a historic milestone for Pakistan as the Shaheens began their campaign at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan.