Pakistan’s men’s football team has created history by reaching a senior international final for the first time in 35 years after a commanding 2-0 victory over Afghanistan in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives.
The Green Shirts delivered a strong performance in their final round-robin match, with goals from Umar Nawaz and Harun Hamid securing a crucial win that ensured their place in the tournament final. The result confirmed Pakistan’s position among the top two teams, setting up a title clash on June 10 against either Bangladesh U23 or Afghanistan.
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Pakistan made a dream start when Umar Nawaz scored in the fifth minute, finishing a low cross with composure to give his side early control of the match. The team maintained pressure throughout the first half, creating several chances while keeping Afghanistan’s attack under control.
Afghanistan, coached by former Pakistan head coach José Antonio Nogueira, struggled to break through a disciplined Pakistani defense. Their best opportunity came late in the first half when a free kick struck the woodwork, leaving Pakistan narrowly ahead at the break.
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In the second half, Afghanistan pushed for an equaliser but Pakistan remained dangerous on the counterattack. The decisive moment came in stoppage time when substitute Harun Hamid scored with a powerful strike after a well-timed through ball, sealing the victory and sparking celebrations among players and supporters.
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The win marks Pakistan’s first appearance in a senior men’s international football final since the 1991 South Asian Games. It also ends a long wait for success on the international stage and reflects a major turnaround for the national side under recent leadership.
Pakistan will now aim to lift their first major international football trophy in decades as they prepare for the final in the Maldives.