Kuwait (TDI): Pakistan National Football Team will play against Afghanistan today, October 14, at 8pm (PST), in the qualifying campaign for AFC Asian Cup 2027 which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia.
This is the second clash between the two teams after the last match ended in a draw last week, in Islamabad’s Jinnah Stadium.
Head Coach of the Pakistani team, Nolberto Solano, has expressed confidence ahead of the team’s away fixture, for which the team arrived in Kuwait on Monday.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Solano said the squad remains focused and eager to build on their previous performance.
“We were a little disappointed that we didn’t take all three points in the home game, especially after how we played in the second half,” Solano said.
“We’re a team that loves the ball but unfortunately couldn’t score. Still, this is part of the process, these young lads are playing together for the first time and I’m very pleased with their performance.”
Read More: Pakistan-Afghanistan AFC Qualifier Match Ends in Draw
Responding to a question he said “We go again tomorrow with the same attitude and desire to win, the focus is on getting three points. It’s football and anything can happen.”
We’ll also have another chance against Syria at home in November and then again in March, but tomorrow’s game is a key,” he added.
Solano confirmed that there would be no major changes to the lineup, adding that all players are fit and ready for action at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium in Ardiya.
Captain Abdullah Iqbal echoed his coach’s sentiments, highlighting the team’s belief on their recent progress.
“I believe we showed the potential within this squad, after the home game, we felt disappointed because we believed we could have taken all three points. Hopefully tomorrow, we can achieve that,” he said.
When asked about his message to the fans, Abdullah said: “I promise we’ll go out there and give everything we have and hopefully, InShaAllah, bring back the three points,” he added.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
