In an exclusive conversation, Afghanistan Team Manager Samir Homauni and Hafiz Ahmed Jan, Deputy Director General for Technical Affairs at the Afghanistan National Olympic Committee, provided a comprehensive update on the situation surrounding the Pakistan vs Afghanistan AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match.
According to the officials, the Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) had initially submitted passport details for all players on 18 September. However, they were later informed that an official invitation letter from the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) was required to proceed with the visa process.
Responding promptly, PFF sent the invitation letter on 24 September, following which AFF applied for the visas on 25 September and shared the application numbers with PFF on 1 October.
Unfortunately, a three-day nationwide blackout in Afghanistan further delayed the visa processing. In addition, a typing error in the online visa application—specifically concerning the selection of the venue for biometric verification and interviews—added to the complications.
At present, 19 Afghan players have already reached Dubai, with four more on their way. The team officials reiterated Afghanistan’s commitment to maintaining the spirit of competition and regional friendship, emphasizing that both nations share deep cultural and religious ties as brotherly Muslim neighbors.
“We are fully prepared and ready to fly to Islamabad tonight,” said the officials, “contingent on confirmation from the Government of Pakistan for visas on arrival.”
Both federations — the AFF and PFF — have shared all relevant details with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). However, it has also emerged that PFF has submitted a walkover request to the AFC, signaling a lack of interest in rescheduling or facilitating the fixture.
Despite the administrative hurdles, the Afghanistan team remains hopeful and eager to play the match in the true spirit of sportsmanship and regional camaraderie.
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