This image reveals Pakistan Soccer Federation’s emblem. — Reporter
KARACHI: The Pakistan Soccer Federation (PFF) has recalled former nationwide captains Kaleemullah Khan and Saddam Hussain for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, handing the skilled duo one other likelihood below head coach Nolberto Solano.
The pair has been included among the many 37 probables for Pakistan’s conflict towards Afghanistan within the Spherical Three qualifier, scheduled for October 9 in Islamabad. Each gamers final featured for Pakistan a number of years in the past, and their return has raised critical questions in regards to the choice course of.
Pakistan’s provisional squad contains a robust presence of abroad expertise, with 12 diaspora gamers drafted in. These embrace Melbourne Metropolis’s Ahmed Faraz Gulzari, Wrexham AFC’s Umar Nawaz – brother of APS assault survivor Ahmad Nawaz – together with Otis Khan, Adil Nabi, Etzaz Hussain, Rahis Nabi, Harun Hamid, McKeal Abdullah, Abdul Samad, Abdullah Iqbal, Muhammad Fazal, and Haris Zeb.
In the meantime, common goalkeeper Yousuf Butt has been dropped from the checklist of probables. The goalkeeping division will as an alternative be dealt with by Saqib Hanif, Hassan, and Usman.
The squad additionally options a number of contemporary faces, with midfielders Adil Nabi, Etzaz Hussain, and Haris Zeb all receiving their first call-ups for Pakistan. British-born ahead Otis Khan, who now performs for Kelantan Crimson Warrior F.C. in Malaysia, has additionally been recalled.
Pakistan are looking for to bounce again from inconsistent performances in recent times, with Solano, an ex-Peruvian worldwide, tasked with constructing a aggressive aspect by mixing expertise with new blood.
The coaching camp for the probables is anticipated to start subsequent week in preparation for the Afghanistan conflict, which is able to mark Pakistan’s return to aggressive motion on dwelling soil.
