KARACHI: Pakistan football’s future and its recent past would’ve been so different had Stephen Constantine not taken up the job as the national team coach.

In an almost year-long stint, the Englishman helped take Pakistan to the promised land; the second round of World Cup qualifying for the first time in its history.

Masterminding that victory over two legs over Cambodia, Constantine ensured Pakis­tan’s national team would have at the very least three years of competitive football.

He had set targets too, stating his ambition of steering Pakistan to a maiden appearance at the AFC Asian Cup finals in 2027.

But Constantine wouldn’t be there when Pakistan begin their campaign in the third round of Asian Cup qualifying in March next year after the Pakistan Football Federation Normalisation Committee announced the completion of his contract on Friday.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the PFF NC for entrusting me with the incredible opportunity to lead the Pakistan national team through some of its most historic achievements,” Constantine was quoted as saying in a news release.

“The unforgettable scenes at Jinnah Sports Stadium on October 17, 2023 when our 1-0 victory over Cambodia [in the first round of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup] secured Pakistan’s first-ever qualification for the [second round of] FIFA World Cup Qualifiers will forever be etched in memory.”

That remarkable triumph was the national team’s first-ever win in a World Cup qualifying match, coming after a goalless draw in the first leg in Phnom Penh, and cemented Constantine’s place in the annals of Pakistan football after the 60-year-old had taken charge barely weeks before the opening game.

Pakistan lost all six games in the second round of World Cup qualifying, playing against some of Asia’s heavyweights including Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Jordan; oppositions the national team had rarely met in the past after crashing out in the first round at every previous attempt.

But with the qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup merged together, the first-round win over Cambodia ensured Pakistan would get a place in the third round of Asian Cup qualifying where the bottom two teams in each of the nine second round groups drop to.

During his tenure, Constantine had repeatedly voiced his frustration at the inability of the PFF NC to get a national league going, which would allow players to play regularly. He also expressed his displeasure at planned training camps not going through from time to time.

However, upon his exit, he thanked everyone involved with the national team during his tenure.

“To my staff every individual on and off the pitch you were phenomenal,” he added. “Few will ever truly understand the level of commitment and sacrifice you poured into this journey. Your dedication was invaluable to our mission, and it was an honor to lead alongside you. Thank you for everything you did for me, the team, and the country.

“To the people of Pakistan, the fans, and everyone who cares deeply about football it has been a privilege to lead the Shaheens over the past year. Your support from beginning to end has meant everything to us, and I am grateful to each of you.

“To the players, you achieved something unparalleled for Pakistan football, and you did it with heart and style. You made history, and you reignited hope for 250 million people who believe in Pakistan football once more.”

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2024