Pakistan is aiming for its first-ever World Cup qualifying round victory as they face Cambodia in the second leg at Jinnah Stadium on Tuesday. Since their debut in World Cup qualifying matches in 1990, Pakistan has never secured a win in a qualifier.
However, the chances look promising after a goalless first-leg draw in Cambodia. Pakistan has drawn only three of the 32 qualifying games played so far, scoring 10 goals while conceding 124.
Inclement weather in Islamabad the day before the match made it challenging for both teams to utilize the stadium for training. The Cambodian team trained at the indoor Liaquat Gymnasium, while the Pakistani team had a shorter training session on the Naseer Bunda Hockey turf. Fortunately, the weather forecast for the match day is optimistic.
Pakistan’s coach, Stephen Constantine, expressed confidence in his team’s performance, hoping for a better outcome against Cambodia in the home leg. He emphasized the significance of the home advantage and the long-awaited return of international matches to Pakistan.
The last time Pakistan played an international match was against Afghanistan in Lahore in 2015, and the last qualifier was held in 2011.
Constantine also advocated for the launch of a professional football league in Pakistan, believing it’s essential to improve the game’s overall standards and ensure a promising football future for the country, as demonstrated by the progress made in India with their professional football league.
Regarding the eligibility of Otis Khan, FIFA’s decision remains pending. Pakistan’s goalkeeper, Yusuf Butt, expressed excitement about the prospect of playing a World Cup qualifier at home after an 11-year wait.
Cambodian team head coach, Felix Agustin Gonzalez Dalmas, expressed gratitude for the hospitality they received from the Pakistani people. He acknowledged that Pakistan was the favorite to win, but he emphasized his team’s determination to put up a fight.
Cambodian goalkeeper Kim Huy was optimistic about their chances, believing that they would not repeat the mistakes made in the first leg and that they had a good opportunity to secure a victory in Pakistan.
