MALE:Goals by Umar Nawaz and Harun Hamid helped Pakistan beat Afghanistan 2-0 in their final round-robin match of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament on Sunday, sealing a place in the final of a standalone international tournament for the first time in 64 years.

The victory ensured Pakistan finished top of the four-team standings and advanced to the title clash on June 10.

Pakistan, who entered the match on the back of a 3-0 win over hosts Maldives — their first international victory in 961 days — needed only a draw to secure a place in the final.

The Shaheens made an ideal start when Umar put them ahead in the fifth minute, side-footing home from close range after meeting a low cross from Shayek Dost.

The early breakthrough allowed Pakistan to dictate proceedings, with Afghanistan struggling to create openings despite needing a win to guarantee their own place in the final.

Pakistan continued to threaten through Umar, Shayek Dost and Otis Khan, while Haris Zeb and Fazal provided width from the flanks.

Otis came close to doubling the lead after setting up Easah Suliman with a diagonal pass in the 32nd minute, but the defender’s effort sailed over the bar.

Afghanistan’s best opportunity of the first half came in stoppage time when captain Omid Popalzay struck the crossbar from a free-kick.

The Afghans increased the pressure after the break but Pakistan remained dangerous on the counterattack. On the hour mark, Shayek’s deft pass released Ali Agha, who failed to hit the target with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Afghanistan also threatened through Omid Mosawi, whose header went wide as clear-cut chances remained scarce.

Pakistan finally sealed victory in first-half injury time when Harun raced onto an Adil Nabi through ball and fired home with a powerful finish.

The result marks Pakistan’s first appearance in the final of a standalone international football tournament since the 1962 Merdeka Cup, where they finished runners-up to Indonesia.

Pakistan’s last international tournament title came in 1952 when they shared the Asian Quadrangular Football Tournament crown with India.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2026