MALÉ, Maldives: Pakistan reached their first senior men’s international football final in 35 years after defeating Afghanistan 2-0 in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives on Sunday.
Goals from Umar Nawaz and Harun Hamid secured Pakistan’s second consecutive victory in the four-nation competition and guaranteed their place in Wednesday’s final.
The result marks Pakistan’s first appearance in a senior men’s international final since the 1991 South Asian Federation Games.
The Pakistan Football Team has qualified for the final of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament. 🇵🇰💚
– Beats Maldives by 3-0
– Beats Afghanistan by 2-0 pic.twitter.com/31C7GEnlKm— TPF Media (@editor_pakfront) June 7, 2026
It is also the country’s first appearance in the final of a stand-alone international tournament since the 1962 Merdeka Tournament, where Pakistan finished runners-up to Indonesia.
Pakistan entered the match knowing that a draw would be enough to secure qualification after their 3-0 victory over hosts Maldives earlier in the tournament.
Pakistan made an ideal start and took the lead in the fifth minute through Umar Nawaz.
The striker met a low cross from Shayek Dost and calmly guided the ball into the net to give his side an early advantage.
The goal allowed Pakistan to settle into the contest and control large periods of possession.
Afghanistan, coached by former Pakistan head coach Jose Antonio Nogueira, struggled to create clear opportunities despite needing a positive result to remain in contention for the final.
Pakistan continued to threaten through Umar, Shayek Dost and Otis Khan, while Haris Zeb and Fazal provided support from the flanks.
Defender Easah Suliman nearly doubled the lead when he was played through by Otis Khan, but his effort from outside the penalty area sailed over the crossbar.
Afghanistan’s best opportunity of the first half came in stoppage time when captain Omid Popalzay struck the woodwork from a free-kick, allowing Pakistan to take a narrow lead into the interval.
Afghanistan pushed forward after the restart in search of an equaliser, but Pakistan remained dangerous on the counterattack.
Just after the hour mark, Shayek Dost produced a clever pass to send Ali Agha through on goal, but the midfielder dragged his shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Afghanistan also came close through Omid Mosawi, whose header drifted wide of the target as Pakistan’s defence continued to hold firm.
Pakistan eventually secured the victory in injury time when substitute Harun Hamid latched onto a through ball from Adil Nabi and fired a powerful finish into the net.
The goal sparked celebrations among the Pakistani players and supporters as the final whistle confirmed a historic achievement for the national team.
The victory completes an impressive turnaround for Pakistan, who recovered from an opening defeat to win two of their three matches in the tournament.
The Green Shirts will now have an opportunity to claim their first senior men’s international title since winning the football gold medal at the 1991 South Asian Games.
