Pakistan were held to a 0-0 draw by Afghanistan at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad on Thursday, with Otis Khan missing a crucial penalty as the hosts secured their first point in the third round of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Nolberto Solano’s side dominated possession and created the clearer chances throughout the match, taking advantage of a fatigued Afghan squad that had arrived in the capital less than 24 hours before kickoff due to a prolonged visa delay. The visitors struggled to impose themselves, appearing jaded and disorganised at times, but defended resolutely to deny Pakistan a breakthrough.

The defining moment came midway through the second half when Khan was awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. The forward, however, blasted the spot-kick over the crossbar, l

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