Islamabad: Experienced midfielder Alamgir Ghazi has been handed the captaincy for Pakistan’s final AFC Asian Cup qualifying match against Myanmar, as the national side looks to end its campaign on a positive note.
The fixture will be played today at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00 PM and live coverage on PTV Sports.
A Leader with Experience
Originally from Chitral, Ghazi has been a consistent presence in Pakistan’s midfield over the years. His elevation to captain reflects both his experience and professionalism, having represented the country regularly on the international stage.
Known for his discipline and composure, Ghazi’s leadership will be key as Pakistan aim to deliver a strong performance in a challenging campaign finale.
“The Boys Are Ready” — Ghazi
Speaking ahead of the match in the official pre-match press conference, Ghazi expressed confidence in the squad’s preparation.
“This time we had eight days, and that helped. The boys were already in training from the Challenge Cup, and some players coming from the Bangladesh Premier League were also match-fit. Overall, preparation has been good.”
He emphasized the hunger within the squad, particularly among domestic players.
“The boys are motivated. They have something to prove. Local players won’t get a better opportunity than this to show what they can do.”
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Closed-Door Match Amid Restrictions
The match will be played behind closed doors following government directives limiting public attendance at sporting events.
The Pakistan Football Federation has implemented these measures in line with national policy, which restricts gatherings to a maximum of 200 individuals as part of fuel-saving efforts amid the ongoing Iran–US tensions.
Fans across the country will instead follow the action from home.
Final Opportunity for Pakistan
With Pakistan already out of contention for qualification, the match represents a chance to restore pride and assess progress within the squad.
Under new leadership on the pitch, all eyes will be on Alamgir Ghazi and his team to deliver a performance that signals growth and determination — even in difficult circumstances.
Mohsin is a co-founder & Chief Editor of footballer.pk