Pakistan’s men’s football team ended a 961-day wait for an international victory with a commanding 3-0 win over hosts Maldives in the Diamond Jubilee Four-Nation Football Tournament on Thursday.
The last time Pakistan tasted victory was against Cambodia in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on October 17, 2023. Thursday’s result also marked the team’s first win over the Maldives since 1991.
Pakistan entered the match under pressure after opening the tournament with a goalless draw against Bangladesh. A positive result was essential to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive, but the first half ended without a goal from either side.
The breakthrough came nine minutes into the second half when young Umar Nawaz put Pakistan ahead in the 54th minute, scoring his first international goal in only his second appearance for the national team. It was also his first start in Pakistan colours.
Nawaz’s path to the national team carries a deeply personal story. His brother, Haris Nawaz, was among the martyrs of the 2014 Army Public School attack in Peshawar, while another brother, Ahmed Nawaz, was seriously injured in the tragedy. The family relocated to the United Kingdom in 2015, where Umar began his football journey before earning his place in the national setup.
Pakistan put the result beyond doubt late in the game. Abdul Samad Arshad doubled the lead in the 84th minute, and just three minutes later, Harun Hamid added a third to seal a convincing win for the visitors.
The victory lifted Pakistan to four points from two matches, placing the side firmly in contention for a place in the final.
Pakistan will face Afghanistan in their final league-stage match on June 7, and a finish in the top two will see them through to the championship match scheduled for June 10.
