KARACHI, June 5 : Pakistan’s men’s national football team produced an impressive performance to defeat Maldives 3-0 in the Diamond Jubilee Four-Nation Football Tournament, ending a lengthy wait for an international victory and boosting hopes of reaching the competition’s final.
After beginning the tournament with a goalless draw against Bangladesh, Pakistan entered the contest under pressure to secure all three points. The team responded with a disciplined display and a strong second-half performance that ultimately proved too much for the Maldives.
The breakthrough arrived in the 54th minute when forward Umar Nawaz found the back of the net to score his maiden international goal. The strike was particularly significant as it came in only his second appearance for the national team and his first start in Pakistan colours.
Umar’s achievement carries a deeply emotional background. His family was directly affected by the tragic Army Public School attack in Peshawar in 2014. His brother, Haris Nawaz, lost his life in the incident, while another brother, Ahmed Nawaz, survived despite sustaining serious injuries. Following the tragedy, the family moved to the United Kingdom, where Umar continued his football development before eventually earning a call-up to represent Pakistan at the international level.
With Maldives searching for an equaliser, Pakistan maintained control and increased its advantage late in the match. Abdul Samad Arshad doubled the lead in the 84th minute, putting the result beyond doubt. Just three minutes later, Harun Hamid added a third goal to complete a convincing victory and cap off one of Pakistan’s most memorable recent performances.
The result carries added significance as it marks Pakistan’s first international victory over Maldives since 1991. It also ends the national team’s winless run in international football, with its previous victory having come against Cambodia in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match on October 17, 2023.
The win has strengthened Pakistan’s position in the tournament standings and kept the team firmly in the race for a place in the final. With four points collected from two matches, Pakistan remains among the leading contenders for the championship match.
Pakistan’s next challenge will come against Afghanistan on June 7 in the final league-stage fixture. A top-two finish will secure a place in the tournament final scheduled for June 10, giving the Green Shirts an opportunity to compete for silverware and continue their recent momentum.
