Pakistan Beat Afghanistan 2-0 to Win Four-Nation Diamond Jubilee Football Tournament

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan clinched the Four-Nation Diamond Jubilee Football Tournament title after defeating Afghanistan 2-0 in the final, thanks to impressive performances from Shaik Dost and Harun Hamid.

The victory marks a historic achievement for Pakistan football, as the national team won an international tournament final for the first time in 64 years. Pakistan had last reached the final of an independent international tournament at the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia in 1962.

The final was played at the National Football Stadium in Maldives, where Pakistan delivered a dominant performance against Afghanistan.

Shaik Dost opened the scoring in the 24th minute, giving Pakistan an early advantage. Harun Hamid sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, finding the net in the 90+4th minute to secure a memorable 2-0 triumph.

The tournament featured four teams: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives, and Bangladesh. Pakistan had already defeated Afghanistan 2-0 in the final round of the group stage, giving the Green Shirts a psychological edge heading into the championship match.

Pakistan topped the standings with seven points after recording two wins and one draw in three matches, earning a place in the final. Afghanistan qualified as the second finalist after collecting four points through one victory and one draw.

Following the team’s success, Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Mohsin Gilani congratulated head coach Nolberto Solano, the players, and team officials on their achievement.

In his message, Gilani said the national team had delivered an outstanding performance to win an international tournament after more than six decades. He described the victory as a major gift from Pakistan’s footballers to the nation.

The PFF chief also announced cash rewards for head coach Solano, the players, and team officials in recognition of their historic accomplishment.