Key points
- Nadia Khan scored early
- First victory since September 2023
- Pakistan rose to third in AFC Qualifiers Group D
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan women’s football team made history on Wednesday by securing a commanding 2-0 victory over hosts Indonesia in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Stadium Sport Centre.
The Green Shirts began their crucial match in confident fashion, with Nadia Khan scoring the opening goal in the eighth minute.
Suha Irani then doubled their advantage ten minutes later by successfully converting a penalty.
The home side created numerous opportunities but were unable to breach Pakistan’s goalkeeper Zeeyana Jivraj.
This win is particularly significant for Pakistan’s women’s football team, marking their first victory since September 2023 and coming against a higher-ranked opponent.
FIFA rankings
Pakistan currently sit 157th in the FIFA women’s football rankings, while Indonesia are placed 95th.
Buoyed by this success, Pakistan will next face the Kyrgyz Republic on 5 July in their final group-stage match.
The historic win also elevated Pakistan to third place in Group D of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, overtaking Kyrgyz Republic, who have lost both their matches against Chinese Taipei and Indonesia.
For context, Pakistan had a difficult start to their campaign, suffering an 8-0 defeat against Chinese Taipei, who lead the group with six points and a goal difference of +11.
