KEY POINTS
- Pakistan men’s futsal team staged 4–2 comeback win over Bhutan
- Pakistan women’s team secured historic 3–2 victory against Sri Lanka
- Azwa Chaudhry’s hat-trick powered the women’s win
- Adnan Ashfaq’s late double completed the men’s remarkable recovery
- Pakistan Football Federation hailed the twin wins as historic
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s futsal teams achieved an unprecedented double milestone at the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship in Thailand, with both the men’s and women’s teams securing their maiden international victories within 24 hours.
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) hailed the teams for having “created history” at the tournament.
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Men’s team stages stunning comeback
A day after the women’s team’s breakthrough, the men’s squad secured Pakistan’s first-ever international futsal win in dramatic fashion on Friday.
Overcoming a 2–0 deficit against Bhutan at Bangkok’s Hua Mak Indoor Arena, Pakistan rallied to a 4–2 victory.
Bhutan’s Dawa Shering struck two quick early goals, putting Pakistan on the back foot. The fightback began when Hassan Zafar scored in the 28th minute.
Asif Ahmed Chaudhry levelled the match at 2–2 in the 32nd minute, before Adnan Ashfaq completed the remarkable turnaround with two rapid goals in the 34th and 35th minutes.
Less than 24 hrs after the women gave #PakistanFutsal a first ever international win, the men pulled a stunning comeback vs Bhutan to win their first 4-2
Goals from captain Hassaan Zafar Khan, Asif Ahmad Chaudhry and Adan Ashfaq (2). #FutsalSAFF2026 pic.twitter.com/R2Ye1XKko3
— FootballPakistan.com (@FootballPak) January 16, 2026
This victory marked a strong recovery from Pakistan’s opening 7–1 loss to the Maldives.
Women’s team sets Stage with first win
The historic run began on Thursday when the women’s team notched Pakistan’s first international futsal win, edging past Sri Lanka 3–2.
The victory was spearheaded by a brilliant hat-trick from Azwa Chaudhry, who delivered all three goals for her side.
Federation hails resilience amid challenges
In a social media post, the PFF celebrated the dual achievements, highlighting that the teams triumphed “despite a lack of Futsal infrastructure in the country and the challenges.”
PFF President Mohsen Gilani credited the players and coaches for their resilience.
Azwa Chaudhry scripting 🇵🇰 Pakistan’s first ever win in international futsal, men’s or women’s.
A fine hat-trick vs 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka at the Hua Mak Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand #FutsalSAFF2026 #PakistanFutsal
Video via SportzWorkz pic.twitter.com/f9ZSvzonI0
— FootballPakistan.com (@FootballPak) January 15, 2026
“Our players and coaches have made history and we will build on this foundation to take Futsal to greater heights and make Pakistan a force in Futsal,” Gilani stated.
The federation also noted that Pakistani referees and coaches successfully completed their futsal certification courses during the championship, signalling broader development for the sport domestically.
Road ahead in the tournament
The teams now look to build on their momentum. The women’s team is set to face the Maldives in next encounter.
The men’s team will continue their campaign with a match against Sri Lanka on January 18.
