Islamabad (Sports Desk): FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026: Gambia beat Pakistan 4-2, as it was a game of two halves for Pakistan as the Shaheens made their historic debut at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan, racing to a two-goal lead against Gambia before their opponents mounted a second-half comeback.
Pakistan made a dream 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 and driving at the Gambian defence before unleashing a fierce strike past the goalkeeper.
Hamza was involved again in Pakistan’s second goal, winning a tackle that sent the ball towards Baxi Hamal Khan. Driving forward from the left, Baxi fired a superb shot into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and giving Pakistan a two-goal advantage.
Gambia pulled a goal back before half-time, setting the stage for a tense second period. The African side equalised early after the restart when the ball slipped past Pakistan goalkeeper Shayan.
Gambia increased the pressure in the second half, forcing Pakistan to defend deep during the early exchanges. However, the Shaheens gradually found their composure, with Kaleemullah testing the Gambian goalkeeper on more than three occasions and forcing a series of saves.
Just as Pakistan looked to regain their footing, a swift counter-attack saw the ball fall to a Gambian player, whose ferocious left-footed strike was rifled into the corner of the net to put his side ahead. Gambia added a fourth with a curling effort into the top corner, completing a dramatic turnaround.
Despite the result, Pakistan’s opening spell offered plenty of encouragement, with Hamza and Baxi delivering two outstanding goals on the world stage. The match marked a significant milestone for the Shaheens as they began their journey at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan.
