Pakistan Football Roundup #2: SAFF Preparations, Fazal Injury, Easah Goal & More
Pakistan football roundup #2 : This week's roundup covers Pakistan's preparations for the upcoming SAFF Championship, the latest updates on overseas-based players, and developments in domestic and women's football.
Mohammad Fazal Misses Nordic United Game Due to Thigh Injury
Pakistan international Mohammad Fazal missed Nordic United's 2-0 defeat against IK Oddevold on Saturday after picking up a thigh injury while representing Pakistan at the FIFA ASEAN Cup.
According to Swedish outlet Länstidningen, Nordic United were without six regular players for the match, including Fazal. Head coach Steven Younan admitted that the absences had left him with limited options.
“I have to solve it with the players I have left. There won't be that many options. We can change tactically, but not in terms of formation.”
Abdullah Shah Reveals Pakistan's SAFF Preparations
Pakistan defender Abdullah Shah revealed in an interview with ProSports that the national team's training camp for locally based players is expected to begin around October 20 or 24 ahead of November's SAFF Championship.
Shah also confirmed plans to include overseas-based players. According to him, SAFF allows 28-man squads instead of the usual 23, giving Pakistan more flexibility to include diaspora players.
With the tournament taking place outside the FIFA international window, some overseas players may initially be unavailable due to club commitments. However, the larger squad could allow them to join later in the tournament, including the knockout stages if Pakistan progress.
Shah also recalled an interesting interaction with Indian captain Sunil Chhetri during the 2023 SAFF Championship. Pakistan had faced visa delays and arrived in India just hours before their opening match.
“I met Sunil Chhetri in the tunnel and he apologized and said it was unfair for you guys.”
Watch Abdullah Shah's full interview below.
Easah Suliman Scores His First Goal of the Season
Pakistan defender Easah Suliman scored his first goal of the season with a brilliant header in Sumqayıt's 4-1 victory over Qəbələ in the Azerbaijan Premier League.
The 28-year-old, who also captained his side, scored in the 9th minute to double Sumqayıt's lead. The victory was the club's first league win of the season.
Watch his goal below.
Otis Khan Registers First Assist of the Season
Pakistan international Otis Khan registered his first assist of the season as Altrincham defeated Aldershot Town 3-1 in England's National League.
Khan provided the assist for Leo Farrell's stoppage-time goal after beating a defender and delivering a low cross into the box.
Altrincham currently sit 6th with 24 points from 13 matches, occupying a promotion play-off spot as they push for a return to the EFL.
Khan could also be available for November's SAFF Championship, as Altrincham have no league fixtures scheduled during the tournament's opening days. However, a possible FA Cup fixture on November 7 could affect his availability.
Watch Otis Khan's assist below.
Afghan FC Chaman Win CM Balochistan Football Gold Cup
Afghan FC Chaman were crowned champions of the sixth All-Pakistan CM Balochistan Football Gold Cup after defeating AK FC Quetta 2-1 in the final at Ayub Sports Complex, Quetta.
Pakistan international Alamgir Ghazi and Kabir Khan scored the winning goals, with Ghazi also receiving the Player of the Final award.
The tournament featured 81 teams from across Pakistan, with Afghan FC Chaman receiving Rs 3 million in prize money. AK FC goalkeeper Muhammad Akhtar was named the tournament's best goalkeeper.
Watch Alamgir Ghazi's banger goal below.
SHE League Kicks Off in Islamabad
The PFF's inaugural SHE League officially kicked off on October 10 at the newly constructed Jinnah futsal grounds in Islamabad.
According to UrduPoint, the opening day featured several high-scoring encounters, marking the beginning of the new women's football competition.
Full match results and goalscorers are yet to be confirmed.
Punjab Harappa Win National U-17 Championship
Punjab Harappa were crowned champions of the PFF National U-17 Championship after defeating KPK Himalayas in the final at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, on October 10.
Punjab had earlier eliminated previously unbeaten Balochistan Hingol with a 2-0 victory in the semi-finals, while KPK Himalayas reached the final after defeating Sindh Indus 2-1.
The competition featured 10 regional and provincial teams from across Pakistan, providing young footballers with valuable competitive experience.
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