ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Squad for FIFA ASEAN Cup has been announced, with the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) naming a 23-member squad for the tournament in Indonesia. Head coach Nolberto Solano will join the national team in Indonesia after a visa delay prevented him from attending the training camp in Islamabad.
The squad features players based in Pakistan as well as footballers representing the national side from abroad. In Solano’s absence, assistant coaches Titus Bramble and Walid Javaid have been supervising the team’s preparations.
Solano is expected to link up with the squad in Indonesia ahead of the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from September 25 to October 5.
Pakistan Squad for FIFA ASEAN Cup Set for Group-Stage Challenge
Defender Abdullah Iqbal will captain Pakistan, while experienced forward Kaleemullah has returned to the national team after being out of the setup.
Another notable inclusion is Abdul Samad, captain of Pakistan’s Under-17 team. The midfielder from Swat recently signed a two-year contract with Azerbaijani champions Qarabag FK.
Samad also captained Pakistan at the UEFA U-16 Development Tournament in Kazakhstan in April, where he scored a header against the hosts during Pakistan’s debut appearance in the competition.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani visited Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad during the training camp, meeting the players and reviewing preparations.
Gilani said Pakistan would face teams ranked significantly higher than them and described the tournament as a historic opportunity. He also acknowledged shortcomings in the facilities provided by the Pakistan Sports Board, saying the federation had acted after being informed about the situation.
Pakistan to Face Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam
Pakistan have been placed in Group B of Division One alongside Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.
The national team will begin its campaign against Thailand on September 26, followed by a match against the Philippines on September 29. Pakistan will play Vietnam in their final group-stage match on October 2.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup Final Sanctions Update
Pakistan secured a place in the inaugural tournament after China withdrew to focus on preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup and 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
The national team enters the competition after winning the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives earlier this year, ending a 74-year wait for an international title.
Pakistan Squad
Yousuf Butt, Hassan Ali, Saqib Hanif, Abdullah Shah, Abdul Rahman, Ali Khan, Ali Agha, Hayyan Khattak, Ali Uzair, Alamgir Ghazi, Ali Raza, Abdul Samad Arshad, Kaleemullah, Shayek Dost, Abdullah Iqbal, Easah Suliman, Mohib Ullah, Mamoon Khan, Mohd Fazal, Haris Zeb, Umer Nawaz, Abdul Samad and Ali Khan.
