Pakistan Begins Preparations for Myanmar Clash in Asian Cup Qualifiers

The Pakistan men’s national football team has officially begun its preparatory camp ahead of a crucial fixture against Myanmar in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers third round. With the fixture scheduled for June 10, the training camp kicked off on Tuesday under the watchful eye of head coach Stephen Constantine, as the team eyes its first points in Group E.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced that the players will remain in camp until June 7, when they are set to depart for the away fixture.

This match against Myanmar marks Pakistan’s second outing in this stage of the Asian Cup qualifiers, following a 2-0 defeat to Syria in March. Group E also features Afghanistan, with only the top two from the group progressing to the next phase of qualification for the continental championship.

Despite the loss to Syria, Constantine and his staff are optimistic about turning the tide with a revamped, energetic lineup, hoping that a proper training camp will offer the team the chance to execute better than the last time.

PFF has also announced a 27-man provisional Pakistan squad for the Asian Cup qualifier against Myanmar, featuring some fresh international-based talent. Denmark-based forward Ali Hayder Shah and Scotland-based winger Ryan Mohammad have been included, underlining Constantine’s continued search for overseas-based players who can inject purpose into the Green Shirts’ attack.

Notably, several experienced names were left out of the camp. Easah Suliman and Otis Khan, Mohammad Saddam, and forward Imran Kayani are among the absentees, raising eyebrows as Pakistan looks to rebuild momentum after a string of mixed results.

The goalkeeping unit features veterans Yusuf Butt and Saqib Hanif, along with young prospect Hasan Ali. The defensive department includes Mamoon Moosa, Mohammad Fazal, Waqar Ahsan, Abdul Rehman, and Umar Hayat, supported by centre-back Abdullah Iqbal, and full-backs Haseeb Ahmed Khan and Mohibullah.

In midfield, Constantine has included regulars Alamgir Ghazi, Harun Hamid, Ali Uzair, and Yasir Arfat, along with the emerging talents of Moin Ahmed, Umar Ali, Abdul Samad, Rahis Nabi, and Zaid Shah.

Up front, the attack is led by Fareedullah, Adeel Younas, McKeal Abdullah, Mohammad Waheed, and Shayak Dost, alongside the aforementioned newcomers Ali Hayder and Ryan Mohammad.

With Pakistan sitting bottom of their group and a challenging fixture list ahead, including matches against Afghanistan and a return leg against Syria, the Myanmar clash is seen as a vital opportunity for Pakistan to get back on track in the Asian Cup qualifying campaign. A win would give them a much-needed confidence boost.

As training intensifies and the squad sharpens its focus, the stage is set for a defining moment in Pakistan football’s long quest to earn a place among Asia’s elite.