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MALE: Pakistan football team booked a place in the Diamond Jubilee Tournament final with a convincing 2-0 win over Afghanistan at the National Football Stadium on Sunday.
Pakistan forward Umer Nawaz gave his side an early lead in the fifth minute after converting a well-worked assist from a teammate.
After conceding an early lead, Afghanistan pushed for an equalizer but failed to find the back of the net. Pakistan continued to threaten, forcing Afghanistan’s midfielders into a more defensive role as the Green Shirts launched repeated attacks.
After the first half, Afghanistan managed to string together a series of attacks, but Pakistan’s defense remained resolute.
Pakistan eventually doubled the lead with Harun Hamid’s powerful strike in the seven minutes of extra time, sealing victory and capping a disciplined tactical display.
For the unversed, it was Pakistan’s second consecutive victory in the tournament, having previously defeated the Maldives 3-0. The win ended a 35-year wait for victory against the opposition and marked Pakistan’s first win in international football in two years. Earlier, Pakistan’s opening encounter against Bangladesh had ended in a stalemate.
Pakistan will face either Bangladesh or Afghanistan in the final on 10 June.
Pakistan squad:
Goalkeepers: Saqib Hanif, Yousuf Butt and Hassan Ali.
Defenders: Abdullah Iqbal, Mohammad Fazal, Abdullah Shah, Easah Suliman, Mohib Afridi, Mamoon Moosa, Ali Niazi and Haris Zeb.
Midfielders: Adil Nabi, Rahis Nabi, Alamgir Ghazi, Hayyan Khattak, Ali Agha and Otis Khan.
Forwards: Shayak Dost, Umer Nawaz, Ali Shah, Ali Khan, Samad Arshad and Harun Hamid.
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