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ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP): Pakistan national football team head coach Nolberto Solano has expressed confidence ahead of the team’s away fixture against Afghanistan in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers, scheduled to be played in Kuwait on Tuesday (October 14).
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Solano said the squad remains focused and eager to build on their previous performance.
“We were a little disappointed that we didn’t take all three points in the home game, especially after how we played in the second half,” Solano said. “We’re a team that loves the ball but unfortunately couldn’t score. Still, this is part of the process, these young lads are playing together for the first time and I’m very pleased with their performance.”
Responding to a question he said, “We go again tomorrow with the same attitude and desire to win, the focus is on getting three points. It’s football and anything can happen. We’ll also have another chance against Syria at home in November and then again in March, but tomorrow’s game is a key,” he added.
Solano confirmed that there would be no major changes to the lineup, adding that all players are fit and ready for action.
Captain Abdullah Iqbal echoed his coach’s sentiments, highlighting the team’s belief on their recent progress.
“I believe we showed the potential within this squad, after the home game, we felt disappointed because we believed we could have taken all three points. Hopefully tomorrow, we can achieve that,” he added.
When asked about his message to the fans, Abdullah said: “I promise we’ll go out there and give everything we have and hopefully, InShaAllah, bring back the three points,” he added.
The Pakistan National Team will face Afghanistan at the Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium in Ardiya, Kuwait, with kickoff scheduled for 8pm Pakistan Standard Time.