Pakistan’s national football team has reached a major milestone by qualifying for the final of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives after defeating Afghanistan 2-0 on Sunday.
This marks Pakistan’s first appearance in a senior men’s international football final in 35 years, highlighting a significant moment for the country’s football revival.
Goals from Umar Nawaz and Harun Hamid secured a convincing win, ensuring Pakistan finished among the top two teams in the tournament’s round-robin stage and advanced to the final scheduled for June 10.
Match Overview and Key Moments
Pakistan made a strong start, taking the lead as early as the fifth minute when Umar Nawaz finished a well-placed low cross with a composed side-footed strike into the net. The early goal allowed Pakistan to control the tempo of the game and settle into a confident rhythm.
Afghanistan, coached by former Pakistan head coach José Antonio Nogueira, struggled to create clear chances in the first half despite pressing for an equaliser. Their best opportunity came just before half-time when a free-kick struck the crossbar, narrowly missing a chance to level the score.
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In the second half, Afghanistan increased their attacking pressure, but Pakistan’s defence remained disciplined and well-organised. The Green Shirts also threatened on counterattacks, with several close chances that could have extended their lead earlier.
The result was sealed in injury time when substitute Harun Hamid latched onto a precise through ball and fired a powerful shot into the net, doubling Pakistan’s advantage and confirming a famous victory.
A Historic Achievement for Pakistani Football
This final appearance is Pakistan’s first at senior international level since 1991, when they last reached a similar stage at the South Asian Federation Games. It is also their first appearance in the final of a standalone international tournament since the 1962 Merdeka Tournament, where they finished runners-up.
The team had already shown strong form earlier in the competition, including a 3-0 win over hosts Maldives, which ended a 961-day winless run in international football.
What Lies Ahead in the Final
Pakistan will now face either Bangladesh U23 or Afghanistan in the final on June 10. The team will be aiming to win its first major international football title since sharing the Asian Quadrangular Tournament trophy in 1952.
The achievement has sparked optimism among fans and analysts, who see it as a potential turning point for Pakistan football—provided the team can maintain consistency and continue building on this momentum.
