Pakistan end 961-day wait for football victory

Pakistan football fans finally have a reason to celebrate as the national team secured its first victory in 961 days.

Pakistan football fans finally have a reason to celebrate as the national team secured its first victory in 961 days.

In the Diamond Jubilee Four-Nation Tournament currently being held in the Maldives, Pakistan defeated the host nation 3-0. Umar Nawaz, Abdul Samad Arshad and Harun Hamid scored the goals for Pakistan.

After drawing their opening match against Bangladesh, Pakistan entered the game against the Maldives under pressure knowing they needed a win to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

The first half ended goalless with both teams unable to find the net. However, Pakistan came out strongly in the second half. In the 54th minute, young forward Umar Nawaz scored to give Pakistan a 1-0 lead. It was only his second appearance for the national team and his first start in the playing eleven.

Umar Nawaz has an inspiring personal story. His brother, Haris Nawaz was martyred in the 2014 APS Peshawar tragedy while another brother, Ahmad Nawaz was seriously injured in the attack. The family later moved to the United Kingdom in 2015 where Umar began his football journey.

Pakistan doubled their lead in the 84th minute through Abdul Samad Arshad before Harun Hamid added a third goal just three minutes later sealing a convincing 3-0 victory.

The win was Pakistan’s first international victory over the Maldives since 1991. It also brought an end to the national team’s 961-day winless streak.

Pakistan’s previous victory had come against Cambodia on October 17, 2023. The team will play its final group-stage match against Afghanistan on June 7. If Pakistan finishes in the top two, they will qualify for the tournament final on June 10.