Pakistan Squad Announced for AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers

Pakistan has named its 14-member squad for the upcoming AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers, set to take place in Saudi Arabia.

The Green Shirts, who will be making their historic debut in the competition, have been placed in Group D alongside Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Chinese Taipei. The matches will be held from October 18 to 22, with the group winner earning direct qualification. The team was originally scheduled to compete last month, but the tournament was postponed by Saudi Arabia due to “unforeseen” circumstances.

Pakistan Squad for AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers:

Pakistan’s futsal team has been preparing in Islamabad under limited facilities, with training sessions split between a private university and a basketball court due to venue constraints. Despite these challenges, the players have shown commitment and resilience as they aim to make their mark on the continental stage.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) hopes the campaign will help strengthen the foundation of futsal in the country, providing young players with valuable international exposure.

Eight teams have already secured their spots at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup: Indonesia (as hosts), Australia, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Kyrgyz Republic, Iran, and Afghanistan. The winner of Group D will join these nations, while Kuwait, Korea Republic, Tajikistan, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the second-placed team from Group D will compete for the remaining seven spots. The best-placed runner-ups will earn entry into the competition.

Facing strong opponents like Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Pakistan will enter the qualifiers as underdogs, but with plenty of motivation to prove themselves and maybe usher in a new era for futsal in the country. The team’s focus will be on discipline, teamwork, and translating their recent training efforts into results when the tournament kicks off on October 18.