The Pakistan national football team is set to depart for Saudi Arabia tomorrow night as they gear up for their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier.
The team has just completed a rigorous training camp in Lahore, led by team manager Sajjad Mahmood, and will now continue preparations under the guidance of Head Coach Stephen Constantine in Saudi Arabia.
The squad will travel from Lahore to Dammam via Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and will spend the next few days training in the Kingdom. The team’s primary focus is on the upcoming crucial match against Syria, which will mark the start of Pakistan's qualification campaign for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
The match will take place on March 25, 2025, at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, with the kick-off scheduled for 11:00 PM Pakistan time. Pakistan is placed in Group E, where they will compete against Syria, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. The team’s preparation is critical, as they aim to secure a strong start in their campaign to qualify for the prestigious continental tournament.
In a setback for the team, Pakistan’s captain has been ruled out of the upcoming match due to an injury, which could have an impact on the team's morale and performance. However, the squad is focused on remaining resilient, with players ready to step up in their captain’s absence.
The national team’s departure to Saudi Arabia marks the beginning of an intense phase of preparation as they aim to give a strong performance in the qualifier. The footballing community in Pakistan is hopeful that the team will overcome challenges and make a significant impact in the competition, which will be a crucial step towards securing a spot in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.