Pakistan recorded a National football team historic win after defeating Afghanistan 2-0 in the final of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament at the National Football Stadium in Male on Wednesday.
This victory marked a major milestone for Pakistan football, as the team lifted an international title in a senior men’s final for the first time since the 1991 South Asian Games, when they also beat the Maldives 2-0.
It also became Pakistan’s first standalone tournament victory since sharing the Asian Quadrangular Football Tournament title with India in 1952, which was played in a round-robin format.
Pakistan started the final strongly, dominating possession and putting Afghanistan under early pressure. Their breakthrough came in the 24th minute when forward Shayak Dost scored a spectacular bicycle kick. The goal followed a mishit attempt by midfielder Otis Khan inside the box, which fell perfectly for Dost to finish in style.
Afghanistan tried to respond before halftime and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Pakistan’s defence held firm. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the Green Shirts.
In the second half, Afghanistan continued to press for a comeback, but Pakistan remained disciplined and organised. Despite substitutions and attacking efforts from both sides, Pakistan maintained their lead until full time and secured a famous 2-0 victory.
The win is being seen as a landmark moment for Pakistan football, ending decades without a major international trophy and highlighting a strong team performance in a high-pressure final.
Pakistan squad featured Saqib Hanif, Yousuf Butt, Hassan Ali, Abdullah Iqbal, Mohammad Fazal, Abdullah Shah, Easah Suliman, Mohib Afridi, Mamoon Moosa, Ali Niazi, Haris Zeb, Adil Nabi, Rahis Nabi, Alamgir Ghazi, Hayyan Khattak, Ali Agha, Otis Khan, Shayak Dost, Umer Nawaz, Ali Shah, Ali Khan, Samad Arshad and Harun Hamid.
