Afghanistan arrives in Islamabad to take on Pakistan in Asian Cup qualifier clash | The Express Tribune

The Afghanistan national football team is set to arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday night after a brief visa delay ahead of their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifier against Pakistan, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) said.

The Afghan squad will land at 7:00 pm local time from Dubai and will play against Pakistan on Thursday, October 9, at 2:00 pm at Jinnah Stadium, located within the Pakistan Sports Complex in the capital.

The team’s arrival was briefly delayed due to visa processing issues earlier this week, prompting concern that the qualifier could be affected. However, Pakistani authorities confirmed on Wednesday that all travel and entry formalities had been completed after coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, and the Pakistan Football Federation.

PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for ensuring smooth coordination and timely arrangements for the visiting team’s arrival and the hosting of the qualifier.

“We are thankful to the Government of Pakistan for their support and coordination in facilitating the arrival of the Afghanistan team,” Gilani said in a statement.
“I would also like to acknowledge and extend my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Pakistan Sports Board, and the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) for their full cooperation,” he added.

The qualifier marks an important fixture for both South Asian teams as they continue their campaign for a place in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

Security and logistical arrangements have been finalised at Jinnah Stadium, with local fans expected to turn out in large numbers to support the national side.