Pakistan clinched the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Afghanistan in the final on Wednesday, ending decades of waiting for a major international football trophy.
The Green Shirts produced a dominant display in the championship clash, with forward Shayak Dost opening the scoring in spectacular fashion. The striker stunned Afghanistan’s defense in the 23rd minute with an acrobatic bicycle kick that gave Pakistan an early advantage.
Afghanistan pressed hard for an equalizer throughout the second half, but Pakistan’s defense remained solid and disciplined under pressure. As the match entered stoppage time, Harun Hamid sealed the victory with a brilliant solo run and clinical finish, sending Pakistani fans into celebration.
The triumph marks one of the most significant achievements in Pakistan football history. It is Pakistan’s first senior men’s international final victory since the 1991 South Asian Games and the country’s first outright international football title since the 1952 Asian Quadrangular Football Tournament.
Pakistan’s road to glory included an unbeaten campaign in the four-nation tournament held in the Maldives. The national team defeated the Maldives 3-0, overcame Afghanistan in the group stage, and played out a draw against Bangladesh before lifting the trophy in the final.
The Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament was organized to celebrate 75 years of football in the Maldives and featured Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and the host nation.
The historic title is expected to boost confidence within Pakistan football and provide momentum ahead of future regional and international competitions.