Football
FOOTBALL - National 05 Oct, 2026
Islamabad (Sports Reporter): Sindh Indus secured their place in the semi-finals of the PFF National U-17 Championship 2026 after coming from behind to defeat KPK Khyber 4-3 in a thrilling seven-goal encounter at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, on Monday.In the day’s second match, Balochistan Bolan and Islamabad Margalla played out an entertaining 1-1 draw.The opening game provided one of the most exciting contests of the championship so far, with KPK Khyber producing a dominant first-half performance before Sindh Indus’ pace and technical quality ultimately turned the match in their favour.KPK Khyber took the lead through Atif in the 23rd minute, before Sindh Indus responded with goals from Moosa and Rafay to take control of the contest.Sindh Indus extended their advantage when Rafay struck again in the 79th minute, but KPK Khyber refused to go quietly. Atif scored his second in the 84th minute to bring the score back to 4-3 and set up a tense finish.Sindh Indus held their nerve through the closing stages to secure the victory and, with it, their place in the semi-finals.The contest was played at a high tempo, with KPK Khyber’s energy and intensity particularly evident in the first half. Sindh Indus, however, grew into the match as their pace and technical ability began to create problems for the Khyber defence.Both sides also found themselves benefiting from goalkeeping errors, with Sindh’s final goal coming after the Khyber goalkeeper spilled the ball, while Khyber’s late third came after the Sindh goalkeeper misjudged the flight of the ball.In the second match of the day, Balochistan Bolan and Islamabad Margalla battled to a 1-1 draw in a closely contested encounter.Shahzaib gave Islamabad Margalla the lead in the 24th minute, before Sheraz levelled for Balochistan Bolan in the 34th minute.The contest remained evenly poised after the break, with both sides creating opportunities to find a winner. Balochistan Bolan were reduced to ten men in the 67th minute when Faheem was shown a red card, but they held on to earn a valuable point.The two matches produced eight goals, adding another chapter to an increasingly entertaining PFF National U-17 Championship, with Sindh Indus now through to the semi-finals after a memorable comeback.
FOOTBALL - National 04 Oct, 2026
Islamabad (Sports Reporter):Balochistan Hingol and KPK Himalayas produced commanding performances at the PFF National U-17 Championship 2026 on Sunday, with Hingol defeating GB Karakoram 5-1 before KPK Himalayas overwhelmed Sindh Mehran 6-0 at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad.Balochistan Hingol took control against GB Karakoram with a series of well-taken goals, combining power, pace and clinical finishing to build a five-goal advantage.Noman opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a rasping drive into the corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.Hingol doubled their advantage in the 43rd minute when Syed Wasif found the net from a free-kick, before Sajjad added a third just a minute later.The third goal came after Hingol broke quickly on the counter from the left, with Sajjad placing the ball calmly past the goalkeeper.Hingol continued to threaten after the break and extended their lead in the 63rd minute when Shahid reacted quickest to a header that had been spilled by the Karakoram goalkeeper.Zameer made it five in the 89th minute after his initial effort was saved, with the Hingol player following up to place the rebound into the net.GB Karakoram found a consolation in stoppage time, Hassan completing an individual effort by placing the ball past the goalkeeper in the 90+3rd minute.In the second match, KPK Himalayas produced one of the most dominant displays of the championship so far, completely controlling their contest against Sindh Mehran from start to finish.Himalayas attacked from all areas of the pitch, dominating possession and creating chances from left, right and through the middle.Taimoor opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Armaq doubled the advantage in the 20th minute.Taimoor struck again in the 27th minute to make it 3-0, while Armaq added his second just before half-time in the 45th minute.Taimoor completed his hat-trick in the 50th minute as Himalayas continued to dominate, before Irmad rounded off the scoring in the 70th minute to complete a comprehensive 6-0 victory.The two results added another 12 goals to an already goal-rich championship, with the young players continuing to provide attacking football and plenty of excitement in Islamabad.
FOOTBALL - National 03 Oct, 2026
Islamabad (Sports Reporter): The Pakistan Football Federation announced the 21 camp probables for the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026, with the national U-15 camp set to begin on October 6 in Lahore.The camp marks the beginning of Pakistan’s preparations for the landmark youth football festival in Azerbaijan, as the country’s next generation of Shaheens begin their journey towards the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026. 🇵🇰🦅The 21 camp probables are:1. Ahmed Zahid Ullah Khan2. Ameer Hamza3. Bakshi Hamal Khan4. Danish Masih5. Hassan Zeb Khan6. Illhan Ali Khan7. Kaleem Ullah8. Maqbool Ahmed9. Mohammad Alam10. Mohammad Maaaz Adnan11. Mohammad Mustafa12. Mohammad Salman13. Owais Faiz14. Rameez Riza15. Sahil Khan16. Sameer Abdul Samad17. Shahraz Khan18. Shahzaib Nawaz19. Shayan Abdul Jabbar Marwat20. Zain Ul Abideen21. Zul NoorainThe camp will provide the coaching staff with an opportunity to assess the players as preparations begin for Pakistan’s participation in the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan.
FOOTBALL - National 03 Oct, 2026
Islamabad (Sports Reporter): Sindh Indus produced an outstanding second-half comeback to defeat Punjab Potohar 3-1 on the third day of the PFF National U-17 Championship 2026, while Punjab Harappa held Islamabad Margalla to a 2-2 draw at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, on Saturday.Punjab Potohar took the lead in the 16th minute when Mehmood Ali found the net with a superb free kick, the ball going in off the underside of the crossbar and giving the Sindh Indus goalkeeper no chance.The goal, however, came against the run of play.Sindh Indus had been the sharper side in the opening period, playing with pace, aggression and technical confidence. Their quick movement and ability to move the ball through pressure repeatedly caused problems for Punjab Potohar, but they went into half-time trailing by a goal.The second half saw Sindh Indus take complete control.They came out with even greater intensity, swarming all over Punjab Potohar and allowing their opponents very little opportunity to settle. Their speed, technical quality and aggressive approach kept Punjab Potohar pinned back for long periods.The equaliser arrived in the 62nd minute when Yaseen found the bottom corner to bring Sindh Indus level.Five minutes later, Sindh Indus completed the turnaround when Shahid put the ball into his own net, giving Sindh Indus a 2-1 lead.Punjab Potohar struggled to regain a foothold as Sindh Indus continued to press, and their dominance produced a third goal in the 80th minute, with Musa extending the lead to 3-1.There was still a twist to come.Just a minute after Musa’s goal, Sindh Indus were reduced to ten men when Hanzala was shown a red card in the 81st minute.Even with a player less, Sindh Indus held their shape and defended their advantage to complete a memorable 3-1 victory.Having trailed at half-time, Sindh Indus produced a second-half performance that underlined their quality and intent in the championship. Quick, aggressive and technically assured, they maintained their grip on the contest even after going down to ten players.Earlier in the day, Punjab Harappa and Islamabad Margalla shared the points in a four-goal contest that ended 2-2.Islamabad Margalla took the lead through Rameez in the seventh minute, but Punjab Harappa responded five minutes later when Husnain equalised.Islamabad Margalla restored their advantage in the 23rd minute through Shahzaib, before Punjab Harappa fought back once again, with Irfan Ali scoring in the 83rd minute to secure a share of the points.The results added another competitive day to the PFF National U-17 Championship, with the young players continuing to provide plenty of pace, intensity and attacking football as the tournament moves forward.
FOOTBALL - National 02 Oct, 2026
Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD: Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), Shahid Niaz Khokhar, has said that the PFF has restored domestic football after a long time by starting the U17 National Football Championship 2026 here at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex, as 10 teams from all over the country will fight for the top honour.On Thursday, addressing a press conference along with other officials including PFF Vice President Hafiz Zakaullah, Islamabad Football Association President and Local Organising Committee Chief Sheikh Ahmed Rehan, and PFF Executive Committee Member Wasim Raja, he further added that the game of football was moving up in the country under the control of PFF president Mohsin Gillani.Shahid Niaz Khokhar said the competition represented an important step in the revival of structured youth football in the country. “For a long time, we have been missing a consistent national platform for our young footballers. This championship is about reviving youth football in Pakistan and, more importantly, putting structures in place that can continue beyond one tournament. We want young players to have regular opportunities to compete, to develop and to be identified, wherever they are in the country.”He said the Federation’s objective was to connect youth competitions with a broader development structure, creating clearer pathways from grassroots football towards the national teams. For many years, Pakistan’s youth national teams have largely relied on open trials and short selection camps whenever international competitions approached. While such trials provide an opportunity for players to be seen, they offer only a limited window in which a young footballer can demonstrate his ability.Islamabad Football Association President Sheikh Ahmed Rehan said the time had come to move away from that model. “For years, whenever Pakistan had to send a team abroad, we would announce open trials. Thousands of boys would come, and we would have a very limited period in which to identify the players. That cannot be the only way we identify talent. What we are now building is a competition-based merit system, where players have the opportunity to perform over time, and where sustained performance can define their progression.”Rehan said the increased football activity undertaken by the Federation over the past 15 months under the leadership of President Syed Mohsen Gilani had created the foundation for this change. “The idea is simple. If a player performs consistently, he should be seen. If he performs at a high level against strong competition, that should count. We want to move towards a system where merit and long-term performance matter, rather than one trial or one day deciding a player’s future.”Hafiz Zakaullah highlighted that the merit-based approach should extend beyond players to the coaches and technical staff working with them. “This system is not only about identifying talented players. It will also help us identify the coaches and technical staff who are doing outstanding work at the grassroots and competition level. If a coach is consistently producing good results and developing players, we should be able to recognise that work and give them
FOOTBALL - National 01 Oct, 2026
KPK Khyber post victory, Balochistan Bolan and Punjab Harappa match ends 2-2 DrawAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: KPK Khyber outclassed Punjab Potohar 3-0 in their opening match of the PFF National Under-17 Football Championship 2026, which kicked off at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Thursday. The match between Balochistan Bolan and Punjab Harappa ended at 2-2 draw.Khyber were made to work for their victory after Potohar dominated the early exchanges and started the game with greater purpose. The tide gradually turned, however, as Khyber settled into the contest and began to impose themselves through a strong midfield presence and energetic wing play.Abbas opened the scoring in the 15th minute, giving Khyber the lead after they had begun to find their rhythm. Potohar continued to compete, but Khyber grew increasingly influential as the game progressed, with their midfield engine and threat from the wings keeping their opponents on the back foot. The result was sealed in the closing stages when Atif struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 88th and 90th minutes to complete a 3-0 victory for Khyber.The second game of the day produced a very different contest, as Punjab Harappa and Balochistan Bolan played out a 2-2 draw in a match that changed dramatically after half-time. Harappa dominated the opening period and were rewarded in spectacular fashion in first-half stoppage time.Husnain put Harappa ahead in the 45+2nd minute before Faizan doubled their advantage just two minutes later, sending Harappa into the interval with a 2-0 lead. Bolan, however, emerged from the break with a renewed sense of purpose.The Balochistan side adopted a never-say-die approach and began playing with greater intensity and attacking intent. The game remained end-to-end, but Bolan increasingly looked the more purposeful side as they searched for a way back.Their pressure paid off in the 53rd minute when Zohaib pulled a goal back to make it 2-1. Bolan continued to push and, around the 70-minute mark, were putting Harappa under sustained pressure. The equaliser finally arrived from the penalty spot, with Kaleemullah converting in the 70th minute to bring Bolan level.The final whistle brought an end to an exhilarating 2-2 draw, but the contest had already done its job. An end-to-end battle, a two-goal comeback and chances at both ends gave the opening day its first real taste of the energy and unpredictability of the National U-17 Championship.Earlier, Member National Assembly, Anjum Aqeel Khan graced the opening ceremony as a chief guest and formally announced the championship open. The opening ceremony featured a march-past by all ten participating teams, bringing together young footballers from across Pakistan as the Federation begins putting in place a new structure for youth football and a clearer pathway towards the national teams.
FOOTBALL - Int News 26 Sep, 2026
Sports Bulletin ReportBandung (Indonesia): Thailand outclassed Pakistan 4-0 in a FIFA Asean Football cup 2026 here at the Stadion Si Jalak Harupat on Saturday.Teerasak Poeiphimai scored a hat-trick for the victors while Jude-Bell Soonsup scored the other goal and the defeat means Pakistan need to regroup before their next match against the Philippines on Tuesday.Thailand had been restricted to long-range shots; goalkeeper Yousuf Butt making a superb save on the half-hour mark. Yousuf, however, was powerless when he made another save moments later, only for Poeiphimai Teerasak to tuck in the rebound and open the scoring for the Thais.Thailand’s second came 10 minutes later after captain Abdullah Iqbal’s misplaced pass led to a quick burst that saw Jude-Bell Soonsup slam home from close range. Thailand continued to attack and had the ball in the back of the net three minutes later, only for it to be ruled offside.Pakistan needed more inspiration and coach Solano made three substitutions at halftime with Shayek Dost, Hayyan Khattak and Alamgir Ghazi coming on for Ali Raza, Ali Agha and Abdullah Shah. The team showed more enterprise with full-backs Mohammad Fazal and Haris Ali Zeb making more forward runs.But it was Thailand who scored with a superb looping effort on the volley by Poeiphimai on the hour mark. Pakistan tried to respond with Abdul Samad Arshad shooting narrowly wide. Veteran Kaleemullah Khan was brought on by Solano but Pakistan fizzled out and Poeiphimai completed his hat-trick after a mixup in defence six minutes from time, dinking the ball into the goal with his side-foot.
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 25 Sep, 2026
Islamabad (Sports Desk): Brazil continue to set the pace in both the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Ranking and the FIFA Futsal Men’s World Ranking. The September 2026 edition sees no changes to either top ten, but there is movement further down both tables following a summer of international friendlies.In the women’s ranking, Brazil remain ahead of Spain in second and Portugal in third. Croatia made the strongest advance, climbing three places to 32nd. They also collected more ranking points than any other women’s team during the period, gaining 15.6.Serbia experienced the largest drop by position, falling three places to 59th. The women’s ranking now comprises 95 teams, with no new entrants in this edition.Brazil also retain top spot in the men’s ranking, followed by Portugal and Spain. Zambia made the biggest climb by position, rising four places to 82nd, while Vietnam earned the most ranking points of any men’s team (19.5) and moved up two places to 20th.Montenegro fell 13 places to 74th, the largest drop in the men’s table. No teams have entered the ranking for the first time in September.
FOOTBALL - Int News 25 Sep, 2026
Islamabad (Sports Bulletin Report): Pakistan Football Federation president Syed Mohsen Gilani met FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the United Nations General Assembly Week in New York on Thursday, with several topics coming under discussion.Most notably, Infantino was impressed by Gilani’s vision to develop football across Pakistan whilst also confirming that he will be travelling to Pakistan for the inauguration of the FIFA Arena.Infantino appreciated the steps taken by Gilani since he was elected PFF chief 15 months ago and hailed the achievements of the Pakistan national teams during that time. The FIFA president also stressed that the PFF should push for constitutional amendments to bring its statutes in line with FIFA and AFC.Infantino reassured Gilani of FIFA’s full backing with the future of the game in Pakistan also coming under discussion. Continued collaboration between the global football body and the PFF was ensured as well as ways to provide the country’s youth with greater opportunities to play and experience the game.As infrastructure development continues at an unprecedented pace, Infantino assured he will be visiting the country for the inauguration of the FIFA Arena. Gilani thanked Infantino and FIFA for their confidence and support, saying the backing of world football’s governing body would further strengthen the PFF’s efforts to develop the sport across Pakistan. He said his vision is to build a strong, inclusive and sustainable football structure, with particular emphasis on grassroots programmes, youth development, talent identification and creating international opportunities for young Pakistani players.“Our aim is to take football to every corner of Pakistan, empower our youth and create a pathway through which talented players can represent Pakistan at the highest level,” Gilani said, reaffirming his commitment to working closely with FIFA and other stakeholders to promote and develop the sport.Infantino also extended his best wishes to the PFF and Pakistan team for the ongoing FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, while looking ahead to the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026.
FOOTBALL - Int News 25 Sep, 2026
Sports NewsBANDUNG (Indonesia): Pakistan head coach Nolberto Solano and captain Abdullah Iqbal said they were looking forward to the challenge as the Shaheens made their final preparations for their FIFA ASEAN Cup opener against Thailand on Friday.The match, which will begin at 4:00pm (2:00pm PST) on Saturday, will be the first game for the Pakistan men’s football team in an official FIFA tournament with the event offering and opportunity for Solano’s men to compete against teams much higher than them in the FIFA rankings.“We want to use this opportunity to test ourselves against teams like Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam,” Solano said at the pre-match press conference. “It’s an honour to be here and we know it will be a tough competition.”Pakistan come into the tournament on a high after winning the Diamond Jubilee International Tournament in the Maldives back in June — their first standalone football tournament title in 74 years. The FIFA ASEAN Cup, though, will offer a sterner test.“All our opponents will be very tough and they have fantastic players,” said Solano. “Asian football has been getting better and better so it is a big test for us. We are slowly growing, we try to go step by step. We will try to prove ourselves as a national team and see how far we can go in this competition.For skipper Abdullah, the tournament is an opportunity for the players to step up. “It is a great opportunity for us to compete against teams at another level,” said Abdullah. “We will try to give our best.”Ahead of the press conference, Pakistan held an official training session with the squad having been joined by Azerbaijan-based defender Easah Suliman.
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