The Pakistan men's national football team delivered a superb all-round performance to defeat Maldives 3-0 in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament, securing a long-awaited victory and marking a significant milestone for the Shaheens.
Ending a Long Drought
The emphatic win not only ended Pakistan's 962-day wait for an international victory but also marked the team's first triumph over Maldives since the final of the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in 1991. The result provided a major confidence boost for Pakistan and handed Head Coach Nolberto Solano his first victory since taking charge of the national side.
First Half Dominance
Pakistan enjoyed the better of the play during the opening half, controlling possession and territory while creating several promising opportunities. Despite their dominance, the Shaheens were unable to find a breakthrough before the interval as the Maldives defence managed to hold firm.
Second Half Breakthrough
The deadlock was finally broken early in the second half through striker Umer Nawaz. The goal originated from an excellent attacking move, with Hayyan Khattak unleashing a powerful drive that forced the Maldivian goalkeeper into a fumble. Umer reacted quickest inside the penalty area, pouncing on the loose ball and bundling it into the net to give Pakistan a deserved lead.
Trailing by a goal, Maldives pushed forward in search of an equaliser and created two clear scoring opportunities. However, Pakistan's defence remained resolute, denying the visitors any route back into the contest. As Maldives committed more players forward, gaps began to appear at the back, allowing Pakistan to capitalize on the counterattack.
Late Goals Seal Victory
Substitute Abdul Samad Arshad doubled Pakistan's advantage in the 83rd minute with a composed finish, calmly guiding the ball past the advancing goalkeeper after a swift attacking move. The victory was sealed four minutes later when another substitute, Harun Hamid, saw his effort take a deflection off a defender before finding the back of the net in the 87th minute, leaving the Maldives goalkeeper with no chance.
Celebrations and Looking Ahead
The convincing victory sparked celebrations among players and supporters alike, ending more than two years of frustration and signaling positive progress under Solano's leadership. Following the match, PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani congratulated the national team on their impressive performance and expressed confidence that the Shaheens would carry the winning momentum into their next fixture against Afghanistan on Saturday.
