ISLAMABAD: Pakistan qualified for the final of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives, defeating Afghanistan 2-0 in their final round-robin match on Sunday, marking the country’s first appearance in the final of an international football tournament in 64 years.
An early goal by Umar Nawaz and a stoppage-time strike from Harun Hamid secured victory for the Shaheens, who finished top of the four-nation event under head coach Nolberto Solano.Pakistan, needing only a draw to reach the final, took the lead in the fifth minute when Umar calmly converted a low cross from Shayek Dost.
The Green Shirts maintained control for most of the match, though Afghanistan came close to equalising when captain Omid Popalzay’s free-kick struck the crossbar just before halftime.Harun Hamid sealed the result in injury time with a powerful finish after being set up by Adil Nabi, sending Pakistan into the June 10 title clash.
The achievement is historic for Pakistan football, as it is the country’s first appearance in the final of a stand-alone international tournament since the 1962 Merdeka Cup, where Pakistan finished runners-up to Indonesia.
