Pakistan qualifies for Diamond Jubilee Cup final

Umar Nawaz and Harun Hamid scored in a 2-0 win over Afghanistan on Sunday to send Pakistan into the final of the 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives. Nolberto Solano's side topped the round-robin stage, setting up a title clash on June 10 against either Afghanistan or Bangladesh.

How did Pakistan qualify for the Diamond Jubilee Cup final?

Pakistan secured their place in the final by finishing top of the round-robin stage. A draw against Afghanistan would have been enough, but goals from Umar Nawaz in the fifth minute and Harun Hamid in injury time sealed a 2-0 win.

The result followed Pakistan's 3-0 victory over the Maldives, their first win in 961 days.

When did Pakistan last reach a major football tournament final?

This is the first time Pakistan have reached the final of a stand-alone football tournament since the 1962 Merdeka Cup, where they finished runners-up to Indonesia. Their only tournament title dates back a decade earlier, when they were joint-winners of the Asian Quadrangular Football Tournament alongside India. Pakistan have won football gold at the South Asian Games four times but had not gone this deep in an open tournament for over 60 years.

How did Umar Nawaz open the scoring against Afghanistan?

Umar gave Pakistan a dream start in the fifth minute, side-footing home a low cross from Shayek Dost on the left with a composed first-time finish. The early goal allowed Pakistan to stamp their authority in the opening exchanges. Afghanistan, coached by former Pakistan coach Jose Antonio Nogueira, struggled to break into the opposition half during that period.

What chances did Afghanistan create in the first half?

Pakistan carved out a clear opening past the half-hour mark when Otis Khan played Easah Suliman clear with a diagonal ball, but the defender shot over from outside the box. Afghanistan's best moment came in first-half injury time, when skipper Omid Popalzay struck the bar with a free-kick. Pakistan held their lead into the break despite the late scare.

How did the second half unfold between Pakistan and Afghanistan?

Afghanistan came out with intent after half-time, knowing they needed a win to guarantee their spot in the final. Pakistan created the better opening, though, when Shayek's dink on the hour sent Ali Agha clear, only for the midfielder to shoot wide with just the goalkeeper to beat. At the other end, Omid Mosawi headed wide as clear-cut chances remained scarce.

How did Harun Hamid seal Pakistan's place in the final?

Harun settled the contest with a rasping drive in the first minute of injury time after being sent through by Adil Nabi. The finish ended any lingering doubt and confirmed Pakistan's passage to the final. Solano's side will now face either Afghanistan or Bangladesh in the title match on June 10.