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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan football team head coach Nolberto Solano has lauded the national team and their fighting spirit following their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier clash against Afghanistan.
Pakistan ended its eight-match losing streak in a goalless draw with Afghanistan here at the Jinnah Stadium on Thursday.
Pakistan dominated throughout the match; however, Otis Khan missed a vital chance, squandering a penalty in the 65th minute, which denied them all three points at the end of the game
Green Shirts will now travel to Kuwait for the away fixture against Afghanistan on October 14. The winner of the group advances to the tournament finals in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Solano mentioned the delayed arrival and praised the players’ performance, particularly in the second half of the match.
“First of all, I’m really pleased with the team, with all the boys. With all the small issues we had, especially with some players arriving a little late, it’s not easy,” he told reporters.
But I was very pleased with their attitude today, especially when the players came on in the second half.”
He rued the missed chance and heaped praise on players for showing determination.
“I believe we dominated the match for most parts of the game and were a very solid team. Like the players, I’m disappointed we couldn’t take all three points not just because of the missed penalty, but because we had other chances as well.
Honestly, these guys are doing their best, and I’m proud of them,” Solano continued.
“It’s not easy for these guys traveling 15, 19, or even 20 hours to arrive in Pakistan a day before the match. They didn’t have much time to train together, but I had confidence in them,” he explained.
Nolberto Solano aimed for a strong showing in Pakistan’s next away encounter against Afghanistan while mentioning the pride of players on representing their country.
“We’ll prepare in the same way. We need to check how the boys are physically and mentally after traveling from different parts of the world.
I was very impressed with most of them, especially as it was my first time seeing some of them play. We’ll build on this performance for the next match on Tuesday,” he concluded.
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