A Remarkable Year for Pakistan Football:
The year 2023 unfolded as a significant chapter in the history of Pakistan football. Despite previous struggles to gain prominence in the country, the sport experienced a notable development, capturing the attention and enthusiasm of fans. The inclusion of Pakistan in the FIFA 2026 qualifiers added an extra layer of excitement, turning the journey into something extraordinary.
Kickoff: FIFA 2026 Qualifiers Begin
In the inaugural phase of the matches, Pakistan’s men’s football team engaged in a total of 11 matches, achieving just one victory, securing a draw, and facing defeat on nine occasions. The debut qualifier against Cambodia marked the beginning of an exceptional series. Pakistan secured a brilliant 1-0 victory. Notably, this triumph was made even more special by the overwhelming support from the stands, with over 12,000 fans witnessing the historic moment live.
March 2023: Facing Challenges in Maldives and Mauritius
March 2023 brought challenges as Pakistan faced Maldives, resulting in a 1-0 loss. After the setbacks, Pakistan participated in a 4-nation tournament in Mauritius in preparation for the 2023 SAFF Championship in India. The tournament presented many challenges, with Pakistan’s 0-3 defeat against the hosts and experiencing a narrow 1-0 loss to Kenya. The final match against Djibouti showcased Pakistan’s resilience, marking the moment they scored their first goal of the year. Despite this achievement, they fell short with a 1-3 loss.
SAFF Championship: India Dominates
The SAFF Championship in India posed further trials for Pakistan football. The inaugural match against India ended in a convincing 4-0 win for the host nation. Subsequent encounters with Kuwait and Nepal resulted in 4-0 and 1-0 defeats, underlining the competitive nature of South Asian football. Pakistan football faced tough moments but remained strong throughout 2023.
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Historic October 2023: Making FIFA World Cup History
The turning point arrived in October 2023, etching a historic chapter in Pakistani men’s football. The team confronted Cambodia again in the 1st round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with British coach Stephen Constantine guiding the way. Significantly, Pakistan had never advanced to the 2nd round in 76 years of World Cup qualifiers. The away match in Cambodia concluded in a goalless draw, showcasing a solid defensive performance led by centre-backs Easah Suliman and Abdullah Iqbal.
Back on home turf at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, Pakistan faced Cambodia once more. The absence of captain Otis Khan, due to FIFA regulations concerning his Pakistani origins, posed a challenge. The match remained boring until the 68th minute when Pakistani midfielder Harun Hamid delivered a left-footed shot, securing a 1-0 victory. This victory marked the first time Pakistan qualified for the 2nd round of FIFA qualifiers in their history.
November 2023: Challenges in the 2nd Round
November 2023 witnessed Pakistan’s entry into the 2nd round of the World Cup qualifiers, but the absence of key players like Easah Suliman due to injury presented challenges. The team displayed resilience against Saudi Arabia, holding them at 2-0 until stoppage time when two late goals resulted in a 4-0 defeat. The final match against Tajikistan, which took place in the absence of key players due to yellow card suspensions and injuries, ended in a disheartening 1-6 loss.
Looking Forward to 2024:
Looking ahead to 2024, Easah Suliman’s return from injury, actively participating in a football league in Azerbaijan, adds strength to the defense. Shayek Dost’s reported participation in the Afghanistan League provides a further boost, signalling potential improvements in the squad. As the new year approaches, hopes are high that the momentum gained in 2023 will propel Pakistani football to greater heights.
Pakistan Women’s Football Team 2023 Stats:
In 2023, the Pakistan women’s football team played 10 international matches, winning 2, drawing 3, and losing 5. Meanwhile, the men’s under-23 team participated in 3 international matches but faced defeats in all three.
Impressive Performances by Pakistan U19 and U16 Football Teams in 2023:
In the football arena of 2023, the Pakistan Under-19 (U19) team showcased their skills in 4 international matches, securing 2 victories, completing 1 draw, and facing 1 loss. Particularly noteworthy was their commendable run at the SAFF U19 Championship, where the Pakistan U19 team were runners-up. On a parallel note, the Under-16 (U16) squad engaged in 3 international matches, leaving a positive mark with 2 wins and 1 loss.
PFF unites with SAFF:
In a big step forward for Pakistani football, Haroon Malik, the head of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalisation Committee (NC), teamed up with Yasser Al Misehal, the President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), on November 25th, 2023. This historic moment marks the beginning of a unique collaboration between the two nations.
Teamwork for Football’s Future:
This significant event gathered SAFF’s General Secretary, Ibrahim Alkassim, and NC member Said Hashimi. After six months of hard work led by Chairman Haroon Malik, this collaboration is a first-of-its-kind initiative for Pakistani football.
Goal: Growing Together
The main goal of the partnership is to build a strong connection between PFF and SAFF, working together for the mutual growth and success of football in both countries. They are already planning a packed calendar for 2024, especially focusing on the Women’s National Team and Men’s Youth National Teams.
Game Plan:
Both federations are looking to organize friendly matches in either Saudi Arabia or Pakistan, aiming to provide more exposure and experience on the international stage. They are also set to have virtual meetings covering various aspects like Marketing, Referees, VAR, Women’s Football, Youth Football, Sports Science, and Football-related technologies.
Chairman Malik’s Thanks:
Expressing his gratitude, Chairman Haroon Malik thanked the Saudi Federation for their support, stating, “This is a major milestone as Saudi Arabia is engaging with Pakistan football for the first time. It’s set to shape the future of football in our country.”
Investing in Success:
Saud Hashimi, an NC member, acknowledged the significant investments made by the Saudi Federation in football systems and infrastructure. He emphasized, “They recognize PFF’s need to speed up football in Pakistan, and their goodwill will benefit us for years to come.”
Saudi Ambassador and NC Chairman Unveil Future Steps:
After the MoU signing, Chairman Haroon Malik met with His Excellency Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki, the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, on November 28th, 2023. Both leaders recognized the game-changing potential of the MoU and committed to expanding learning opportunities and knowledge exchange between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Shared Commitment to Development:
The agreement reflects a shared dedication to advancing football development and standards in both countries through collaborative knowledge-sharing initiatives. Ambassador Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki expressed, “This is a great initiative that will benefit Pakistan football in the long run. We hope Pakistani players and coaches will derive maximum benefit from this MoU.”
Chairman Malik’s Vision for Modernization:
In response, Chairman Haroon Malik thanked the Saudi government and the Saudi Football Federation for their pioneering initiative. He stated, “With more initiatives like these, we aim to modernize Pakistani football, enabling footballers to achieve recognition and success at least at the Asian level.”
SAFF Under-19 Championship 2023: A Tough Loss for Pakistan
In a closely watched match during the SAAF Under-19 Championship 2023 in Nepal, Pakistan faced a defeat against arch-rivals India in the final, losing 3-0. The first goal from India came in the 64th minute, followed by the second in the 85th minute, and the third in the 94th minute.
Collaboration with SAFF:
Despite this setback, the collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation presents an opportunity for Pakistan to enhance its football standards and competitiveness on the global stage.
A Journey of Ups and Downs:
In conclusion, 2023 was a year of highs and lows for Pakistan’s men’s football. They made history and faced challenges, and fans are excited about what 2024 will bring. The journey was demanding, but the spirit of Pakistani football shone brightly throughout 2023.
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