The Pakistan national football team has arrived at Jinnah Stadium as they prepare to face Afghanistan today in their home fixture of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers.
Afghanistan’s national side arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday night after a brief visa delay, ensuring the much-anticipated match will go ahead as planned. The game is scheduled to kick off at 2:00 PM at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad.
Pakistan, under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Nolberto Solano, are determined to make the most of their home advantage. Solano, a former Peruvian international and ex-Premier League player, expressed confidence in his team ahead of the crucial qualifier.
“The players have worked very hard, and it is a very important day for us,” Solano said. “I believe the team will perform well against Afghanistan, they have shown great effort and commitment. Our preparations are complete, and we are ready for a strong contest.”
“Many of our players come from street football backgrounds, they have little support or facilities, yet they play with incredible passion and skill. I am very impressed with the talent in the Pakistan squad,” Solano noted. “These players deserve opportunities to play against stronger teams in the future.”
Solano also called for greater public support for football in Pakistan.
“Like cricket, football in Pakistan also needs public support. As a coach, my full effort is to help improve Pakistan’s FIFA ranking,” he added.
Both teams are expected to field their strongest line-ups for the encounter, which carries significant weight in the qualification race. Pakistan’s camp has been focusing on tactical discipline and team cohesion, while Afghanistan will look to capitalise on their experience and attacking pace.
The fixture marks a key moment for Pakistan football as the national side aims to build momentum and establish a stronger presence on the Asian stage.
Pakistan Starting XI: Saqib Hanif (GK), Muhammad Umar Hayat, Abdullah Iqbal (C), Junaid Ahmed Shah, Etzaz Hussain, Shayak Dost, Mohib Ullah, Syed Abdullah Shah, Ali Uzair Mahmood, Tufail Khan, Ahmed Faraz.
Substitutes: Mohammad Fazal, Waqar Ehtisham, Otis Khan, Mckeal Aroon Abdullah, Kaleemullah, Haris Ali Zeb, Moin Ahmed, Syed Ali Raza, Mohammad Hayyaan Khattak, Hassan Ali (GK), Alamgir Ali Khan, Usman Ali.
Head Coach: Nolberto Solano (UK).
Afghanistan Starting XI: Ovays Azizi (GK), Amid Arezou, Mahboob Hanifi, Habibullah Askar, Omid Musawi, Fareed Sadat, Jabar Sharza, Maziar Kouhyar, Zelfagar Nazary, Omid Popalzay, Sharif Muhammad (C).
Substitutes: Elias Mansor, Suleman Zurmati, Yama, Hossein Zamani, Ali Reza Panahi, Sayed Morteza Fatemi, Jamshed Aseka Ahmad, Taufee Skandari, Faisal Ahmad Hamidi (GK), Eisa Azizi.
Head Coach: Vincenzo Alberto Annese (Italy).
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