Date: June 11, 2023
Venue: Côte d’Or National Sports Complex, Mauritius
Event: Four-Nation Series
Final Score: Mauritius 3 – 0 Pakistan
On what was expected to be a hopeful outing for Pakistan’s national football team, the Green Shirts endured a dismal start to the Four-Nation Series in Mauritius, suffering a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to the hosts on June 11, 2023.
After a goalless first half that offered some defensive resilience, Pakistan completely fell apart in the second 45 minutes. Mauritius struck three unanswered goals — courtesy of Villeneuve Jeremy Robert, Ashley Nazira, and a painful own goal from Mamoon Moosa Khan — in the 53rd, 63rd, and 71st minutes, respectively, leaving the visitors in shambles.
The result not only dampened Pakistan’s hopes for the rest of the tournament but also raised serious concerns about selection decisions, technical preparation, and the utility of foreign-based players in the national setup.
Post-Match Analysis and Backlash
Former assistant coach and seasoned tactician Nasir Ismail did not hold back in his post-match remarks, launching a stinging critique of the team’s performance.
“Pakistan committed a handful of technical mistakes which cost them the game,” Nasir told The News.
“Two goals came from the left flank — a position we clearly mishandled.”
He expressed disappointment in the choice of Haseeb Ahmed Khan at left-back, stating that more suitable options like Sohail and Qadeer, both of whom were overlooked, could have provided more balance. Sohail, notably, was undergoing training with a UAE franchise at the time.
Nasir also pointed out that the team lacked penetration in the first half, only showing signs of life when local talent Shayek Dost was introduced after the break.
“Shayek attempted on goal with a forceful drive. It’s local energy like his that we need to build on,” Nasir said.
Questioning the Use of Foreign-Based Players
The post-match fallout also reignited debates around the performance of foreign-based players in the national team. Otis Khan, one of the more well-known names in the squad, was singled out for squandering multiple one-on-one chances.
“Otis had five clear opportunities in the 18-yard box and failed to convert even one. If he can’t dribble past a single defender, what value does he bring to Pakistan?” Nasir asked.
Hasan Bashir, the former captain, was another surprising selection, coming on for just 20-25 minutes — a decision Nasir deemed pointless.
Goalkeeping Woes Continue
Pakistan’s long-standing issues between the posts also persisted. Yousuf Butt, the Denmark-based veteran, was once again under scrutiny for his questionable decision-making — particularly on Mauritius’ second goal, where he needlessly charged out despite a defender being in position.
“He always makes blunders. I don’t think Yousuf was the right choice to lead the side,” Nasir commented.
A Glimmer of Hope – Harun Hamid
Amidst the gloom, there was one bright spot: Harun Hamid, a diaspora midfielder, who showed passion and energy in the middle of the park.
“Harun was the only foreign player who showed resolve and played with spirit. His effort in midfield was noticeable,” Nasir concluded.
Editorial Take
The loss to Mauritius was not just about three goals; it was a deeper reflection of tactical confusion, poor squad selection, and an over-reliance on underperforming foreign-based players. Moving forward, it’s imperative that Pakistan builds its national team around fit, committed players — regardless of where they play — and trusts in local talent that continues to show promise, as Shayek Dost and Harun Hamid did in glimpses.
With more international fixtures on the horizon, one hopes the Pakistan Football Federation takes this performance seriously and addresses the structural and tactical gaps exposed so painfully on that June night in Mauritius.