Pakistan made history on Wednesday by winning the 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives, defeating Afghanistan 2-0 in the final in Malé.
A spectacular overhead kick from Shayak Dost and a stoppage-time strike from Harun Hamid secured victory for Pakistan, ending a 74-year wait for a tournament title and delivering the country's first triumph in the final of a standalone football competition.
In front of jubilant supporters waving national flags and chanting for Pakistan, Shayak opened the scoring with an acrobatic finish in the 24th minute. Harun Hamid sealed the result in the closing moments of added time with a fine individual effort after beating an Afghan defender.
The victory marked Pakistan's first official international football tournament title. The national side's previous tournament success came in the 1952 Asian Quadrangular Football Tournament, where Pakistan shared the trophy with India under a league format.
Afghanistan, who had also lost 2-0 to Pakistan in the round-robin stage, started brightly but were unable to break through a disciplined Pakistani side.
Pakistan took the lead after Afghanistan failed to clear a free-kick delivery. The ball fell to Shayak Dost, who produced an outstanding overhead kick to find the net.
The Shaheens maintained their advantage despite Afghanistan striking the crossbar in first-half added time. Pakistan remained composed after the interval and continued to create chances, with Adil Nabi going close shortly after the restart.
As the match became increasingly tense, goalkeeper Saqib Hanif marshalled the defence with authority. Pakistan finally secured the result when substitute Harun Hamid raced clear and guided his finish into the net in the dying moments.
The win completed Pakistan's third consecutive victory in the tournament and secured a historic title.
Pakistan Football Federation President Syed Mohsen Gilani congratulated the nation on the achievement, describing the triumph as the highest point of his presidency to date.
He said the victory demonstrated Pakistan football's determination and ambition on the international stage and expressed hope that it would mark the beginning of a new chapter for the sport in the country.
PM Shehbaz congratulates team
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Pakistan football team on its success in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament held in the Maldives.
The prime minister extended his congratulations to the players, coaching staff, and team management for their outstanding achievement.
"The victory against Afghanistan is a source of joy and pride for the entire nation," the prime minister said. He also expressed hope that the talented players would continue to achieve success and bring further glory to Pakistan in the future.
Naqvi hails historic achievement
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also congratulated the national football team on winning the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament title, describing the achievement as a historic moment for Pakistan football.
In his congratulatory message, Naqvi said that winning an international football title after a long gap marks the beginning of a new era for football in Pakistan. He added that the success would serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young footballers across the country.
"The players won the hearts of the nation through their extraordinary passion, determination, and outstanding performance on the field," he said.
Naqvi praised the dedication of both the players and team management, stating that the victory is a source of motivation and encouragement for athletes nationwide.
He also conveyed his best wishes for the bright future of the national football team and expressed confidence that the Green Shirts would continue to bring pride and glory to Pakistan in upcoming international competitions.
