The Pakistan men’s national football team shattered a 35-year historic drought on Thursday, delivering a dominant second-half performance to defeat tournament hosts Maldives 3-0 at the National Football Stadium.
The resounding victory in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament marks Pakistan’s first international win in 961 days and seals head coach Nolberto Solano’s maiden victory in charge of the Shaheens.
Quick Match Takeaways:
- Pakistan wins by 3 – 0 Maldives (Goals by Umer Nawaz 54′, Abdul Samad 83′, Harun Hamid 87′).
- Pakistan’s first international football victory in 961 days (since October 2023).
- First win over the Maldives since the 1991 South Asian Federation Games.
- Pakistan faces Afghanistan on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
A Tactical Battle Before the Breakthrough
Pakistan controlled possession for long periods during the first half. However, despite enjoying territorial dominance, the hosts struggled to convert their pressure into clear chances.
The Maldives remained dangerous on the counterattack and ensured the game stayed level at halftime. Speaking after the match, head coach Nolberto Solano revealed that patience was always part of the plan.
“Both teams had their chances in the first half, but the most important thing was keeping a clean sheet in those first 45 minutes,” Solano said.
He added: “We knew that in the second half teams normally begin to tire, and we would start finding spaces and creating moments to score. Thankfully, that is exactly what happened today.”
Umer Nawaz Sparks the Pakistan vs Maldives Victory
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 54th minute. Hayyan Khattak unleashed a powerful strike that the Maldivian goalkeeper failed to hold. Umer Nawaz reacted quickly and bundled the loose ball into the net for his first international goal.
The moment carried extra emotion. Nawaz was making only his second appearance for Pakistan and his first international start.
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His football journey has been marked by resilience. Nawaz’s brother, Haris Nawaz, was among the martyrs of the 2014 Army Public School tragedy in Peshawar. Following the attack, the family relocated to the United Kingdom, where his football career began.
Shaheens Turn Control into a Statement Win
Once Pakistan took the lead, the Maldives pushed forward in search of an equaliser. However, Pakistan’s defence stayed organised and denied the visitors a route back into the match.
Captain Abdullah Iqbal praised the team’s discipline afterwards.
“Most importantly, we got the three points, and we got them in the right manner — a great result against a tough team,” he said.
As spaces opened up late in the game, Pakistan capitalised. Abdul Samad Arshad doubled the lead in the 83rd minute before Harun Hamid’s deflected effort made it 3-0 four minutes later, sealing a memorable Pakistan vs Maldives triumph.
What This Means for Pakistan
The Pakistan vs Maldives result lifted the Shaheens to four points from two matches after their opening draw against Bangladesh.
For Pakistan, it was their:
- First international win in 961 days
- First victory over Maldives since 1991
- Nolberto Solano’s first win as head coach
- Four points from two matches
- Strong chance of reaching the tournament final
With Afghanistan next on June 7, the momentum from this Pakistan vs Maldives victory could prove crucial in Pakistan’s quest for silverware.
FAQs
1. How long had Pakistan gone without an international win?
Pakistan has gone 961 days without an international win in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament.
2. Who scored for Pakistan against Maldives?
Umer Nawaz, Abdul Samad Arshad, and Harun Hamid scored for Pakistan against Maldives.
3. Who is Pakistan’s next match against?
Pakistan’s next match is against Afghanistan on June 7.
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