Etzaz Hussain scored his maiden international goal as Pakistan held Afghanistan to a 1-1 draw in their at the Ali Sabah al-Salem Stadium in Ardiya, Kuwait, on Tuesday.

The result mirrored last week’s goalless draw between the two sides in Islamabad, leaving both teams tied on two points after four Group ‘E’ matches. With Syria sealing top spot following a 3-0 victory over Myanmar earlier in the day, Pakistan and Afghanistan are now out of contention for the continental showpiece in Saudi Arabia.

Afghanistan, hosting the fixture at a neutral venue, made a strong start and went ahead in the fifth minute when defender Mahboob Hanifi surged forward to fire a low shot past Pakistan goalkeeper Saqib Hanif.

Pakistan responded positively and found the equaliser in the 29th minute through Norway

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