In a remarkable and unexpected triumph, Pakistan’s women’s football team delivered a stunning 2-0 win over Indonesia in their second match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers on Wednesday. The result not only defied expectations given the stark contrast in FIFA rankings: Pakistan at 157 and Indonesia at 95, but also marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s developing football journey.
A Strong First Half Seals the Win
The Green Shirts came out firing from the first whistle. In the 8th minute, forward Nadia Khan, who plays club football for Doncaster Rovers Belles in England, opened the scoring to give Pakistan an early lead. The goal was a moment of brilliance and poise, marking Nadia’s fifth international goal for Pakistan. She continues to be a standout figure in the national setup, having famously scored four goals in the second half during Pakistan’s historic 7-0 win over the Maldives in 2022.
Suha Hirani stepped up in the 18th minute and confidently slotted home a penalty, doubling Pakistan’s lead and tightening their grip on the match. Hirani was also the player who scored the equalizer in the 88th minute of a crucial FIFA international friendly, helping her team secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw. The scoreline read 2-0 at halftime, and thanks to a disciplined and focused defensive performance, the score remained unchanged at the final whistle.
More than a victory
This victory holds deeper meaning beyond just the three points. It comes during a transitional phase for Pakistan football, with Mohsen Gilani recently taking over as the new president of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). Amid uncertainty and past administrative turbulence, the team’s performance is a refreshing and hopeful sign of what could lie ahead.
Moreover, the win is even more commendable given the team’s lack of match practice: This was only their second game in seven months. Despite limited preparation, the squad displayed impressive cohesion, resilience, and spirit.
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What’s Next?
Pakistan will now turn their focus to their final group match in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers:
- 🆚 Kyrgyzstan
- 📅 Saturday, July 5
- 🕜 Kick-off: 1:30 PM (Pakistan Standard Time)
While the road ahead remains challenging, the victory over Indonesia offers a powerful glimpse into the potential of Pakistan’s women’s team. It’s a story of progress, perseverance, and quiet defiance—a team that continues to punch above its weight and bring pride to a football-hungry nation.
About the author
Mohsin Rasheed is the Chief Editor of Footballer.pk, Pakistan’s leading football media platform. He oversees editorial content and regularly contributes match reports, player profiles, and tactical features. You can reach him at [email protected]