Pakistan vs Cambodia: Pakistan football team on Tuesday produced an upset to beat Cambodia 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Jinnah stadium, Islamabad. Midfielder Harun Hamid scored the only goal of the match in the second half to hand Pakistan their first ever win in the World Cup qualifiers. The win helped Stephen Constantine’s team qualify for the second round of qualifiers for the first time. The first leg of the tie had ended in a stalemate.
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After a toothless first half, Pakistan created a flurry of chances in the second half. They were egged on by a packed crowd at Jinnah stadium, who cheered hard for the home team.
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Pakistan midfielder Harun Hamid, who plies his trade in England, produced a moment of magic in the 67th minute with a fantastic shot. The Cambodian keeper had no chance as the QPR midfielder put Pakistan ahead. They held on to the slim lead to secure their place in the second round of the World Cup qualifiers.
Pakistan vs Cambodia was the first international football match Pakistan’s home soil after a hiatus of eight years. The win was just the icing on the cake. The Pakistan players celebrated with the crowd after the victory, highlighting their bonding with the fans.
It was a turnaround in the true sense for Pakistan. FIFA had suspended Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) for ‘hostile takeover’ in 2021. FIFA lifted the ban only a year ago, with FIFA’s Normalisation Committee taking over PFF headquarters.
Pakistan will now be a part of Group G. They will play against Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Tajikistan in round two of the qualifiers. The qualifiers are due to start on November 16.
Constantine factor
It was a proud moment for Pakistan and their coach Stephen Constantine. Constantine is a known figure in the Indian football circuit having previously coached the national team and East Bengal. Constantine was appointed by FIFA’s Normalisation Committee to take over the reigns of Pakistan football merely a fortnight ago.
“I think that people will see a very different Pakistan,” Constantine had promised before the game. He delivered and how!
