PFF names team as Pakistan confirmed for AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

 

Pakistan confirmed for AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

Stephen Constantine reappointed as head coach

Asher Butt

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the list of probables for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers away match against Syria. The crucial match is scheduled to take place on March 25, 2025, in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

The PFF has selected a mix of experienced players and young talents across all positions to represent Pakistan in this important fixture. The list of probables includes:

The match against Syria marks the beginning of Pakistan’s campaign in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. The group also includes Afghanistan and Myanmar, with matches set to be played on a home-and-away basis.

The PFF is making arrangements to organize a national team training camp in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, ahead of the qualifier. This camp aims to provide the national team with adequate preparation time and facilities to gear up for the high-stakes encounter. The PFF’s decision to hold the camp in Saudi Arabia is seen as a strategic move, given the availability of world-class facilities and the proximity to Syria, which will help the team acclimatize to similar conditions.

The match against Syria on March 25 will be a litmus test for Pakistan’s readiness and determination to compete on the Asian stage. The PFF is optimistic about securing financial support from the AFC and FIFA to ensure the camp’s successful execution.

Probables

Goal-Keepers: Yousuf Butt, Saqib Hanif, Abdul Basit and Adam Khan

Defenders: Abdullah Iqbal, Easah Suliman, Haseeb Khan, Junaid Shah, Mamoon Moosa, Mohammad Fazal, Abdul Rehman and Waqar Ihtisam

Midfielders: Alamgir Ghazi, Ali Uzair, Ali Zafar, Muhammad Umar Hayat, Rahis Nabi, Toqeer ul Hassan, Umair Ali and Moin Ahmed

Forwards: Fareedullah, Harun Hamid, Imran Kayani, Mckeal Abdullah, Abdul Samad, Shayak Dost and Muhammad Adeel Younas

Earlier, in a significant development for Pakistan football, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has confirmed the national team's participation in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers following FIFA’s decision to lift its suspension. Additionally, former head coach Stephen Constantine has been reappointed to lead the team for the upcoming match against Syria.

With the ban lifted, Pakistan is set to return to international competition and has been placed in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers alongside Syria, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. The qualifiers will be played on a home-and-away basis, with Pakistan kicking off its campaign on March 25 in an away fixture against Syria. The match will be held in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

PFF Normalisation Committee (NC) member Shahid Khokhar confirmed and expressed optimism about the team's future. “The lifting of the suspension has allowed us to resume competitive football at the international level. We are fully committed to preparing our team for the upcoming challenges,” he said.

As part of these preparations, PFF has decided to reinstate Stephen Constantine as head coach. Constantine, who previously managed the team from late 2023 to mid-2024, brings extensive experience and familiarity with Pakistan’s squad. His reappointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure stability ahead of the crucial qualifier against Syria.

Meanwhile, the PFF is actively exploring options to hold a training camp in Saudi Arabia to provide the team with a proper preparatory platform. With limited time before the qualifiers begin, officials are intensifying efforts to ensure the team is well-prepared for the upcoming matches.

Pakistan’s participation in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers marks an important step towards rebuilding the country’s footballing structure after years of administrative struggles and suspensions. The upcoming qualifiers will not only test the team’s capabilities but also serve as an opportunity to establish Pakistan as a competitive force in Asian football.

The PFF is expected to announce the final squad and training schedule in the coming days as Pakistan gears up for its return to international football.

Earlier, FIFA has officially lifted the suspension on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) after the successful approval of constitutional amendments. This decision reinstates Pakistan’s status in international football and opens the door for participation in upcoming international tournaments, including the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The suspension, which had cast uncertainty over Pakistan’s footballing future, was lifted following an Extraordinary Congress meeting in Lahore last week, where PFF members endorsed the amendments proposed by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Shahid Khokhar, a member of the PFF Normalisation Committee (NC), confirmed the development and expressed gratitude to FIFA and the AFC for their continued support.

“The suspension ended after the amendments were passed in the PFF Congress meeting,” Khokhar stated. “The Pakistan Football Federation is grateful to FIFA and AFC for their unwavering assistance in helping us move forward.”

The approval of these amendments was a crucial requirement set by FIFA for reinstating PFF’s membership. The global football governing body had earlier stated that the suspension would only be lifted once the constitutional revisions aligned with FIFA and AFC guidelines.

With the ban now lifted, Pakistan can focus on rebuilding its football structure. The PFF is currently considering setting up a training camp in Saudi Arabia to provide the national team with proper preparation ahead of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Given that the AFC had set a deadline of March 4 for Pakistan’s reinstatement to avoid withdrawal from the competition, the timely resolution of the issue ensures that the national team remains eligible to compete.

This development marks a fresh start for Pakistan football, offering players and stakeholders hope for a more stable and progressive future under FIFA’s guidelines.