Sports Bulletin

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Islamabad (Sports Reporter): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced that the PFF U-17 Championship 2026 will be held in Islamabad from 23 September to 4 October 2026.The championship will bring together provincial and regional teams from across Pakistan, providing young players with an opportunity to compete at the national level and gain valuable competitive experience.Each participating team will comprise 23 players and five officials.The championship forms part of the PFF’s ongoing efforts to revive and strengthen domestic football, expand opportunities for young players, and build a stronger pathway for youth development across Pakistan.The PFF will bear all expenses related to the participation of the teams, as well as the other costs associated with organising the championship.

Islamabad (Sports Reporter): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced a 23-member Pakistan national team squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Indonesia.The squad brings together players travelling from Pakistan as well as members of the national team based abroad.Head coach Nolberto Solano will lead the Shaheens as they compete in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, which brings together teams from across the ASEAN region.23-member squad:Yousuf Butt, Hassan Ali, Saqib Hanif, Abdullah Shah, Abdul Rahman, Ali Khan, Ali Agha, Hayyan Khattak, Ali Uzair, Alamgir Ghazi, Ali Raza, Abdul Samad Arshad, Kaleem Ullah, Shayek Dost, Abdullah Iqbal, Easah Suliman, Mohib Ullah, Mamoon Khan, Mohd Fazal, Haris Zeb, Umer Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Ali KhanThe FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will provide Pakistan with an opportunity to compete on a new international platform and further strengthen its preparations against teams from the ASEAN region.

RIYADH (Sports News): Following a historic promotion to the top tier of Saudi football, Diriyah Club have announced their arrival in the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) with a strong statement of intent, both on the pitch and in the transfer market.To equip themselves for the demands of the RSL, the Diriyah-based outfit strengthened their squad impressively and appointed an elite manager in Bruno Lage, a Primeira Liga title winner in Portugal with Benfica who has also coached Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League.Headline additions to the team include Uruguay international, and former Liverpool striker, Darwin Nunez on loan from Al Hilal, French midfielder Enzo Millot on loan from AFC Champions League Elite holders Al Ahli, and ex-Everton and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye following his summer exploits with Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The early signs have been encouraging: Diriyah Club have won three and drawn two of their opening seven RSL matches to head into the international break eighth in the table.A key part of their promising start to the season has been the quality and experience of midfielder Gueye, with Senegal’s record appearance-maker determined to bring his leadership and mentality to his new club.Gueye, 36, told the Saudi Pro League: “Throughout my career, I've had to face tough competition, good times as well as bad times. With my experience, I can help the team achieve its goals. But leadership isn't just about saying the right words, it's a behaviour you must show both on and off the pitch. With the help of my teammates, we will do good things and try to take the club as far as possible.”Gueye arrived in the RSL following a trophy-laden career at club and international level. A three-time Ligue 1 winner with Lille and PSG, he was integral to Senegal’s run the final of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. In 2022, Gueye was awarded the Grand Officer of the National Order of the Lion, Senegal’s highest recognition.Yet, after 15 years competing at the elite level of European football, Gueye welcomed the opportunity of a fresh challenge in Saudi football.He said: “I felt it was the right time for me because the club has a great project. It's a historic club that has a very close relationship with the history of the Kingdom and its identity. So, it was the right time for me to come here, with the Roshn Saudi League having welcomed many great players, great coaches, and many big personalities.”Leading Gueye and his Diriyah Club teammates is a manager who also knows what it takes to succeed. Installed in July, Lage is now tasked with delivering on the club’s ambitions - and it’s a responsibility the Portuguese is fully embracing.Lage told the Saudi Pro League: “It was a great honour to accept His Highness Prince Khalid bin Mohammed’s offer to join this project and build the foundations of the club.“When I heard about this project, I was sure it was the right step for my career. With my experience, and with the experience of the squad from what they have achieved in the past two years, we are here to improve every area and, ultimately, be the best club we can be.“We know we have a deep history and identity behind us, but at the same time, we have a great vision and ambition in front of us. We are working very hard to build a team that inside the pitch represents the real values of Diriyah.”The cultural and historical significance of the club is certainly recognised by those on the pitch. A hero in last season’s promotion charge, Saudi midfielder Hussain Al Qahtani believes representing Diriyah provides unique motivation as his team adapts to the demands of the RSL.Al Qahtani said: “It is an immense feeling of pride to represent Diriyah Club. Diriyah is the birthplace and origin of Saudi Arabia - a place of deep significance for every Saudi citizen. Because of that heritage, there is a massive responsibility on everyone who represents this club and this ecosystem, and we are determined to rise to that challenge.“Our goals have always been big. We achieved our first objective by earning promotion to the Roshn Saudi League. Now, our focus is on taking things step by step, building on our momentum, and securing strong results in the top flight this season.“As players, we have to stay resilient. Success doesn't come without setbacks, injuries, or difficult moments. The key is never to give up, focus on the fundamentals, and set a high standard that inspires the younger generation coming through behind us.”

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Pakistan national minifootball team outclassed India 5-0 here in a fixture of the Asian Mini-Football Championship 2026 by showing excellent game.Pakistan had a difficult start to the championship, losing its opening group-stage matches against UAE, Syria and Uzbekistan. However, the team responded strongly, securing a 3-2 victory over Japan before completing an impressive 5-0 win against arch rival India.Despite the early defeats, Pakistan displayed good ball possession and attacking intent throughout its matches. The team created several opportunities but was unable to convert its dominance into goals in the opening games. The victories over Japan and India demonstrated the team's ability to recover and compete strongly at the championship.Mubasher Sanjrani, President of the Pakistan Minifootball Federation, who was also appointed Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee for the championship, praised the team's performance and said said that the team's overall performance was encouraging, but the losses in the initial group matches affected Pakistan's progress in the competition.He noted that the players continued to perform well and showed determination to come back strongly, culminating in victories over Japan and India.He also expressed his gratitude to all the sponsors for their support and collaboration with the Pakistan national minifootball team.Minifootball is gaining popularity among young people in Pakistan. The sport is a small-sided format of football, with six players representing each team, making it an accessible and fast-paced version of the game.The Pakistan team's victories over Japan and India have provided a positive conclusion to its campaign in Jakarta and highlighted the growing interest and potential of minifootball in Pakistan.