The Blues appeared to be set for a point when Colby Bishop finished Josh Murphy’s corner in the 83rd minute to cancel out Ryan Porteous’ opener.
However, with three minutes remaining, a ball over the top caused havoc as Connor Ogilvie and Nicolas Schmid didn’t communicate clearly and Stefan Thordarson capitalised to finish superbly from a tight out.
The 2-1 defeats marks successive losses for John Mousinho’s men, who now head into the international break still in 17th spot, but with others catching up. And here are our Pompey player ratings...
9. Adil Aouchiche - 6
(Replaced by Kaide Gordon on 59 mins) Moved out from the number 10 role to the right flank but struggled to really get involved too much on the right flank. Also looked susceptible when asked to track back and defend. Photo: Jason Brown
10. Colby Bishop - 6
Asked to operate behind Yengi in a partnership last glimpsed in League One and it didn’t come off. Operated far too deep rather than being a figurehead for others to play around. Still popped up late on to score from Murphy's left-wing corner. Photo: Jason Brown
11. Kusini Yengi - 5
(Replaced by Mark O'Mahony on 68 mins) His first Pompey start since November and third outing overall since then, so perhaps understandably frustratingly a little sluggish. Second best with everything he tried for most of the first half, but upped his game after the break and put himself about more. Photo: Jason Brown
12. Portsmouth's Kusini Yengi (10) in action during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Portsmouth at Deepdale, Preston, England on 15 March 2025.
Pompey's Kusini Yengi in action against Preston. Picture: Paul Thompson/ProSportsImages Photo: Paul Thompson