BAKU: Pakistan’s Shaheens earned their first two points at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan after holding Jordan and Nigeria to 1-1 draws in a double-header, producing encouraging performances against opponents from Asia and Africa.
The results marked a significant moment for the young Pakistani side, who demonstrated resilience, attacking intent and improved composure against two highly regarded teams.
Pakistan began their day against Jordan, taking the lead through Kaleemullah. The Shaheens competed strongly against their Asian opponents and maintained their threat after the interval before Jordan equalised with a close-range effort in which the ball squeezed inside the post.
Despite conceding, Pakistan remained organised and held on to secure a valuable point.
The Shaheens carried their confidence into the second match against Nigeria, one of Africa’s prominent footballing nations, and again took the lead in the first half.
Nigeria drew level following a scramble inside the penalty area, reacting quickest to a loose ball to score from close range. Pakistan, however, refused to surrender the initiative and continued to challenge their physically stronger opponents.
The young side matched Nigeria after the break, showing defensive discipline to deny them a winning goal and claim their second consecutive draw.
Pakistan’s performances against Jordan and Nigeria offered encouragement as they demonstrated an ability to compete with more established opposition, particularly in the second halves.
The double-header followed a difficult outing against South Sudan a day earlier, where Pakistan suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat despite a spirited second-half response. South Sudan scored with a powerful strike into the top corner after exploiting space behind the Pakistani defence.
The Shaheens pressed for an equaliser after the interval, forcing the opposition goalkeeper into several saves, while a second South Sudan goal was ruled out for offside.
Pakistan’s second fixture against Cyprus proved more challenging, with the European side securing a 4-0 victory through two free-kicks, a well-taken finish by their central striker and a penalty.
Cyprus’ aggressive pressing restricted Pakistan’s ability to build attacks from their own half, while their effectiveness from set pieces exposed defensive weaknesses.
Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2026
