ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national football team was held to a goalless draw by Afghanistan in a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier at Jinnah Stadium on Thursday, a match that saw remarkable security and organizational arrangements credited to Arif Shehzad Jadoon, Executive Member of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF).
Jadoon, who served as Coordinator and Head of Security for the high-profile international fixture, was commended for ensuring seamless management and safety throughout the event. His leadership was particularly crucial given the heightened regional security situation and the importance of maintaining international confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host global sporting events.
Football experts and local officials hailed the flawless security arrangements, noting that despite regional challenges, the match concluded peacefully, reflecting Pakistan’s improving sports management capacity. Jadoon’s coordination with law enforcement agencies and stadium officials was described as “exemplary” and “professionally executed.”
On the pitch, Pakistan dominated possession and created the better chances, but failed to capitalize as Otis Khan missed a decisive penalty in the second half. Despite their strong display under coach Nolberto Solano, the hosts were left frustrated after failing to break through a disciplined Afghan defense.
Afghanistan, who arrived in Islamabad less than 24 hours before kickoff due to visa delays, appeared fatigued but remained organized at the back, denying Pakistan several goal-scoring opportunities. The draw gave both teams their first points in Group ‘E’, while Syria and Myanmar lead the table with five points each.
Only the group winner will qualify directly for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
While the result left fans disappointed, the smooth execution of the event — from crowd control to player security drew praise from both the Pakistan Football Association and international observers, marking another step forward in Pakistan’s efforts to restore its reputation as a safe host for international sports.
