ISLAMABAD: The Sports Minister of Balochistan, Nawabzada Jamal Raisani, reacted to the Pakistan football team’s historic 1-0 win over Cambodia during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers at the Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad on Tuesday.
Opening up on the historic win, Raisani stated that the way the Shaheens played, it seemed like that football is finally back.
“Looking at today’s historic win, it looks like football is finally back home,” Raisani said. “I want to extend my congratulations to the entire team.”
The Federal Interim Information Minister, Murtaza Solangi, also opened up on the Green Shirts’ remarkable win.
“I want to welcome international teams to Pakistan. Football is not a game of some individuals but it belongs to everyone. Unfortunately, football doesn’t hold a great importance in this country,” Solangi said.
“The inter-provincial ministry made very good arrangements [to make the game happen], I am hoping that the problems related to football will end soon,” he added.
It must be noted that Pakistan’s historic win over Cambodia saw them advancing to the second round of the World Cup 2026 Qualifiers where the Green Shirts are in Group G with Jordan, Saudia Arabia and Tajikistan.
The first leg of the tie between the two sides ended goalless in Cambodia.
Star forward Otis Khan didn't feature in both legs since he didn't get clearance from FIFA.
Pakistan football’s team schedule:
November 16, 2023 — Saudia Arabia vs Pakistan (Away)
November 21, 2023 — Pakistan vs Tajikistan (Home)
March 21, 2024 — Pakistan vs Jordan (Home)
March 26, 2024 — Jordan vs Pakistan (Away)
June 6, 2024 — Pakistan vs Saudia Arabia (Home)
June 11, 2024 — Tajikistan vs Pakistan (Away)
Arfa Feroz Zake