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LAHORE: Pakistan beat Afghanistan 2-0 to win the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament on Wednesday, with spectacular goals from Shayek Dost and substitute Harun Hamid securing victory in an entertaining final in Male.
Roared on by a vocal crowd waving Pakistani flags, Pakistan weathered an early spell of pressure from Afghanistan before taking control of the contest through a moment of brilliance from Shayek in the 24th minute.
Afghanistan failed to clear a dangerous delivery into the penalty area and the loose ball bounced invitingly for the striker, who produced an acrobatic overhead kick that flew into the net to give Pakistan the lead.
The goal settled Pakistan and allowed them to dictate large periods of the first half, with winger Otis Khan providing a constant threat down the left flank. Afghanistan, however, remained dangerous and came close to equalising when they struck the crossbar in first-half stoppage time.
Pakistan emerged strongly after the break and nearly doubled their advantage moments into the second half when Adil Nabi rattled the woodwork.
Head coach Nolberto Solano’s side continued to create openings through quick passing combinations and intelligent movement, while Afghanistan searched for a route back into the match.
As tensions rose in the closing stages, Pakistan squandered a golden opportunity to seal the result in the 81st minute when Ali Shah’s effort was saved by the Afghanistan goalkeeper after being played through on goal.
At the other end, goalkeeper Saqib Hanif and Pakistan’s defence stood firm under increasing pressure, repelling Afghanistan’s attempts to find an equaliser.
The victory was finally secured deep into stoppage time through substitute Harun Hamid. Collecting the ball on the edge of the area, the winger skipped past a defender with a sharp change of direction before calmly guiding his shot in off the post.
Harun’s strike sparked celebrations among the Pakistan players and supporters as the final whistle confirmed a 2-0 win and the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament title.
Pakistan finished the tournament unbeaten, capping their campaign with a composed and clinical display in the final against their regional rivals.
