Pakistan creates history against Cambodia

By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday created history when they downed Cambodia 1-0 thanks to a solitary strike from Harun Hamid which was enough to put the hosts in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers here at the Jinnah Stadium.
This was also the first-ever victory from Pakistan in the World Cup Qualifiers since it made it’s debut in the 1990 World Cup Qualifiers.
Pakistan will now compete in Group G with Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Jordan in the second deound which will begin next month.
It was a huge win for the Green-shiirts which played under newly hired English coach Stephen Constantine who acted in fact as a saviour of Pakistan football.
The national team, almost the same brigade, had been trained for a year under a Pakistani coach but it did not ever act as a unit. Stephen played the unit well in Cambodia first leg which ended in a goalless draw and in the second leg Pakistan played with a little bit defensive strategy but eventually managed to show some aggression in the second half which paid dividends.
Harun, am overseas player, who has been leaving impression, made the difference when he beat goalie with a well-timed drive inside the area.
In the first half Pakistan were lucky to survive a few times as the visitors looked extremely aggressive as they broke Pakistan’s defence line for quite a few times.
“I am really happy that we created history and won the first game in history,” Stephen Constantine said.
“I have signed a short-term contract with the PFF and my immediate task was to help Pakistan qualify for the second round and I am happy that I succeeded in that. Now it is up to the PFF whether it extends my contract or not,” Stephen said.
Harun Hamid also thanked the fans and the whole nation.
“I am thankful to the fans who supported us and we will inshaAllah also deliver in the second round,” Harun said.