Stephen Constantine Returns as Pakistan’s Head Coach for Asian Cup Qualifier

Pakistani football fans can rejoice once more, with reports suggesting that the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is set to welcome back Stephen Constantine as head coach of the national team, according to a Geo News report.

His appointment follows FIFA’s reinstatement of Pakistan as a member, clearing the way for their participation in the Asian Cup Qualifiers, which had been under threat.

The PFF has not announced a replacement for Stephen Constantine since his departure. An insider revealed that the federation opted to bring him back due to limited time before the qualifier: “We don’t have enough time for major changes, so we asked Stephen to return for this match.” The PFF clarified that Constantine’s return is temporary, covering only the opening game.

Pakistan is gearing up for a historic third-round appearance in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. The fixture against Syria, scheduled for March 25, 2025, will be held in Saudi Arabia, serving as Syria’s designated home venue.

Stephen Constantine, who coached Pakistan from 2023 to 2024, led the team to a historic FIFA World Cup qualifier victory against Cambodia, advancing them to the second round for the first time. Though the team did not progress further, his tenure saw marked improvement.

The third round offers Pakistan a chance to test itself against stronger opponents. Constantine’s future with the team will likely depend on performance and the PFF’s strategic plans.

For now, all eyes are on Pakistan’s clash with Syria, where the Englishman will aim to steer the team to another milestone.

Pakistan’s AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Fixtures