Ali Akbar Khan scored his first international goal as Pakistan fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with the Philippines in the FIFA ASEAN Cup on Tuesday.

Abdul Samad Arshad scored the equaliser as Pakistan secured their first point in their debut FIFA competition appearance.

Pakistan entered the match after a heavy 4-0 defeat against Thailand in their Division I Group B opener. They showed strong resilience against the Philippines and recovered from a difficult first half.

The result also came against a significant ranking gap. Pakistan are ranked 198th in the world, while the Philippines sit around 135th to 136th.

The Philippines started strongly at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium. Pakistan’s defence faced repeated pressure from crosses and attacks.

Mohibullah Afridi made an important early clearance. He turned a low cross behind for a corner. Goalkeeper Yousuf Butt then denied André Leipold in a one-on-one chance.

The Philippines opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Mohibullah blocked a header on the goal line, but Sandro Reyes reacted quickly to the rebound and scored.

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Pakistan almost responded moments later. Ali Akbar broke through the defence but saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza.

The Philippines doubled their lead shortly after the half-hour mark. Mohammad Fazal conceded a penalty after a handball inside the box.

Bjørn Kristensen converted from the spot. He sent Yousuf the wrong way to make it 2-0.

The hosts continued to threaten before half-time. Haris Zeb blocked a diving header, while Yousuf made another important save.

Pakistan struggled to create clear chances before the break. Alamgir Ghazi fired over from distance during a late counterattack.

Coach Nolberto Solano made two changes at half-time. He brought on Ali Agha and Hayyan Khattak for Alamgir and Umar Nawaz.

The changes quickly paid off.

Two minutes into the second half, captain Abdullah Iqbal found Ali Akbar on the left. The forward beat a defender and finished between Mendoza’s legs.

The goal gave Pakistan fresh momentum.

Hayyan fired wide soon after. Pakistan then created another opening when a cutback failed to reach Ali Akbar.

The equaliser arrived on the hour mark.

Abdul Samad Arshad won possession on the right and drove into the penalty area. He cut onto his left foot before firing past Mendoza.

The goal marked his second for Pakistan and completed the comeback.

Solano later introduced Abdul Rehman and Abdul Samad Khan for Fazal and Ali Uzair. Pakistan continued to push for a winning goal.

The Philippines also threatened on the counter. Mohibullah made another crucial block from close range to deny the hosts.

Pakistan’s supporters urged the team forward during the closing stages. The Green Shirts pressed for a third goal, but the Philippines held on.

The 2-2 draw keeps Pakistan’s Group B campaign alive. They will face Vietnam in their final fixture.