LAHORE - Pakistan booked their place in the final of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament with a 2-0 victory over Afghanistan on Sunday, ending a 64-year wait to reach the final of a stand-alone international football competition. Goals from Umar Nawaz and Harun Hamid secured the win for Nolberto Solano's side, who finished top of the four-team round-robin standings and advanced to the title clash on June 10.
Historic Achievement for Pakistan Football
The achievement marks Pakistan's first appearance in the final of a stand-alone tournament since the 1962 Merdeka Cup, where they finished runners-up to Indonesia. The national team's last international tournament triumph came in 1952 when Pakistan shared the Asian Quadrangular Football Tournament title with India.
Fresh from a 3-0 victory over hosts Maldives, their first international win in 961 days, Pakistan entered the match needing only a draw to secure a place in the final. However, the Shaheens took control early and went ahead in the fifth minute when Umar side-footed home a low cross from Shayek Dost.
Match Dominance and Key Moments
The early goal allowed Pakistan to dictate proceedings, while Afghanistan, coached by former Pakistan manager Jose Antonio Nogueira, struggled to create clear openings. Pakistan remained dangerous on the counter through Shayek, Umar and Otis Khan, with Haris Zeb and Fazal providing width.
Pakistan nearly doubled their lead after the half-hour mark when Otis Khan's diagonal pass found Easah Suliman, but the defender fired over the bar. Afghanistan came closest to equalising in first-half stoppage time when captain Omid Popalzay's free-kick struck the crossbar.
Afghanistan pushed forward after the break knowing victory would guarantee their place in the final, but Pakistan continued to create the better chances. Ali Agha squandered a golden opportunity shortly after the hour mark after being played through by Shayek.
The decisive second goal arrived in stoppage time when substitute Adil Nabi sent Harun Hamid through on goal and the forward powered home to seal a memorable victory. Pakistan will now face either Bangladesh or Afghanistan in the final on June 10.
PFF President Hails Historic Achievement
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani congratulated the national team on reaching a major international final for the first time in more than six decades.
"This is a truly historic moment for Pakistan football," Gilani said. "We have waited for this day for over six decades, and I congratulate our players, coaching staff and management for delivering a result that our supporters have long been hoping for."
"This achievement reflects the hard work, commitment and progress being made within the national team. We will continue striving to ensure that successes like these become the norm rather than the exception," the PFF chief added.
