Talented Pakistani young defender, Syed Abdullah Shah, expressed optimism about Pakistan’s opening game in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Cambodia. The first leg will be held in Cambodia on October 12, with the second leg taking place on Pakistani soil on October 17.
Pakistan, having suffered a 4-1 combined score loss against Cambodia in both legs of the 2022 World Cup Qualifying match back in June 2019, faces an uphill battle. However, Shah remains hopeful. In a recent conversation with Geosuper. He remarked, “It will be a rematch, as we faced Cambodia in 2019 during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.”
“The majority of our roster is comprised of under-23s, which fuels our optimism,” Shah said. Pakistan’s under-23 team will participate in AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 Qualifications against formidable adversaries such as Japan, Bahrain, and Palestine before the pivotal match against Cambodia.
The face-off against Cambodia will determine which team advances to the second round of qualifiers, joining Group G with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Tajikistan. In FIFA rankings, Cambodia stands at 176, while Pakistan is slightly lower, at 201.
The Shaheens’ Strategy for Victory
The Pakistani team is expected to be complete with the addition of significant players like Doxa Katokopias FC midfielder Adil Nabi and former Pakistani captain Kaleemullah Khan. “Adil Nabi may join us, and Kaleemullah may also make a return. The new members will round out our squad,” Shah added.
Playing at home is another significant advantage for Pakistan, with the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad likely to host the home leg against Cambodia after necessary renovations. The last international encounter at the Jinnah Stadium was during the 2014 SAFF Women’s Championship.
Shah commented on playing on home ground, “Playing at home will undoubtedly be advantageous for us. We will also have the local crowd’s support, motivating us to perform well on the field.”
Furthermore, the addition of Easah Suliman, a former England U19 captain who switched nationality to Pakistan this year, has benefited the team. Shah acknowledged, “Playing with Easah Suliman has been incredibly advantageous. His experience guides us on the field, allowing us to improve in areas where we are deficient.”
Despite the odds, the Pakistani team remains hopeful. To advance in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, they must break the streak of their eight-game loss since FIFA lifted its 15-month suspension last year.
